The rapid growth of cities worldwide over the next two decades will cause significant risks to people and the global environment, according to analysis.
Researches from Yale and Stanford predict that by 2030 urban areas will expand by 590,000 square miles—nearly the size of Mongolia—to meet the needs of 1.47 billion more people living in urban areas.
“It is likely that these cities are going to be developed in places that are the most biologically diverse,” said Karen Seto, a famous scientist at Yale University. “They are going to be growing and expanding into forests, biological hotspots, savannas(熱帶稀缺大草原), coastlines—sensitive and vulnerable places.”
Urban areas, they found, have been expanding more rapidly along coasts. “Of all the places for cities to grow, coasts are the most sensitive. People and buildings along the coast are at risk of flooding and other environmental disasters,” said Seto.
The study provides the first estimate of how fast urban areas globally are growing and how fast they may grow in the future. “We know a lot about global patterns of urban population growth, but we know significantly less about how urban areas are changing,” she said. “Changes in land cover associated with urbanization lead to many environmental changes, from habitats loss and agricultural land conversion(轉化) to changes in local and regional climate.”
The researchers examined studies that used satellite data to map urban growth and found that from 1970 to 2000 the world’s urban footprint had grown by at least 22,400 square miles—half the size of Ohio.
“This number is numerous, but, in actuality, urban land expansion has been far greater than what our analysis shows because we only looked at the published studies that used satellite data,” said Seto. “We found that 48 of the most populated urban areas have been studied using satellite data, with findings in journals. This means that we’re not tracking the physical expansion of more than half of the world’s largest cities.”
Half of urban land expansion in China is driven by a rising middle class, whereas the size of cities in India and Africa is driven primarily by population growth. “Rising incomes translate into rising demand for bigger homes and more land for urban development, which has a great effect on biodiversity conservations, loss of carbon sinks and energy use.”
小題1:According to the passage, the most dangerous place for city expansion is the _____.
A．forestB．desertC．savannasD．coastline
小題2:The underlined word “vulnerable” (in Para. 3) probably means “____”.
A．diverse in plantsB．beautiful in scenery
C．easily damagedD．very productive
小題3:From Para. 5, we can infer that ____.
A．urbanization is a good way to improve people’s standards of living
B．cities develop very fast and more and more people come to live in cities
C．more and more agricultural farmlands are used to make room for local animals
D．in the past, researchers focused their attention on the expanding urban areas
小題4:Cities in Africa become bigger and bigger mainly because of their ____.
A．growing populationB．rising middle class
C．unique living patternsD．economic development

小題1:D
小題2:C
小題3:B
小題4:A

試題分析：本文主要講述的是城市化的迅速發(fā)展導致了很多城市的規(guī)模擴大，城市人口變多，對環(huán)境產生很大的影響和破壞。
小題1:D 細節(jié)題。根據(jù)文章第三段“Of all the places for cities to grow, coasts are the most sensitive. People and buildings along the coast are at risk of flooding and other environmental disasters,” said Seto.可知最危險的地方就是海岸線，故D正確。
小題2:C 推理題。根據(jù)本句“They are going to be growing and expanding into forests, biological hotspots, savannas(熱帶稀缺大草原), coastlines—sensitive and vulnerable places.”可知這里的sensitive and vulnerable places就是 指coastlines而這個地方又是對環(huán)境破壞很敏感的地方，海岸線的生態(tài)環(huán)境又是特別容易受到影響的地方。故C正確。
小題3:B 推理題。根據(jù)本段1,2行The researchers examined studies that used satellite data to map urban growth and found that from 1970 to 2000 the world’s urban footprint had grown by at least 22,400 square miles—half the size of Ohio.可知現(xiàn)在城市的發(fā)展速度很快，城市的居民的數(shù)量也越來越多。故B正確。
小題4:A 細節(jié)題。根據(jù)文章最后一段1,2行Half of urban land expansion in China is driven by a rising middle class, whereas the size of cities in India and Africa is driven primarily by population growth.可知中國的城市人口變多是因為中國的中產階級變多，而非洲則是因為人口的迅速增加。故A正確。
點評：本文主要講述的是城市化的迅速發(fā)展導致了很多城市的規(guī)模擴大，城市人口變多，對環(huán)境產生很大的影響和破壞。測試考生在閱讀基礎上的邏輯推理能力，要求考生根據(jù)文章所述事件的邏輯關系，對未說明的趨勢或結局作出合理的推斷；或根據(jù)作者所闡述的觀點理論，對文章未涉及的現(xiàn)象、事例給以解釋�？忌紫纫屑氶喿x短文，完整了解信息，準確把握作者觀點。
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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

It is easy for us to tell our friends from our enemies. But can other animals do the same? Elephants can! They can use their sense of vision and smell to tell the difference between people who pose a threat and those who do not.
In Kenya, researchers found that elephants react differently to clothing worn by men of the Maasai and Kamba ethnic groups. Young Maasai men spear animals and thus pose a threat to elephants; Kamba men are mainly farmers and are not a danger to elephants.
In an experiment conducted by animal scientists, elephants were first presented with clean clothing or clothing that had been worn for five days by either a Maasai or a Kamba man. When the elephants detected(察覺)the smell of clothing worn by a Maasai man, they moved away from the smell faster and took longer to relax than when they detected the smells of either clothing worn by Kamba men or clothing that had not been worn at all.
Clothing color also plays a role, though in a different way. In the same study, when the elephants saw red clothing not worn before, they reacted angrily, as red is typically worn by Maasai men. Rather than running away as they did with the smell, the elephants acted aggressively toward the red clothing.
The researchers believe that the elephants’ emotional reactions are due to their different interpretations of the smells and the sights. Smelling a potential danger means that a threat is nearby and the best thing to do is run away and hide. Seeing a potential threat without its smell means that risk is low. Therefore, instead of showing fear and running away, the elephants express their anger and become aggressive.
小題1:According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE about Kamba and Maasai people?
A．Maasai people are a threat to elephants.
B．Kamba people raise elephants for farming.
C．Both Kamba and Maasai people are elephant hunters.
D．Both Kamba and Maasai people traditionally wear red clothing.
小題2: How did the elephants react to smell in the study?
A．They attacked a man with the smell of new clothing.
B．They needed time to relax when smelling something unfamiliar.
C．They became anxious when they smelled Kamba-scented(有…氣味的) clothing.
D．They were frightened and ran away when they smelled their enemies.
小題3: What is the main idea of this passage?
A．Elephants use sight and smell to detect danger.
B．Elephants attack people who wear red clothing.
C．Scientists are now able to control elephants’ emotions.
D．Some Kenyan tribes understand elephants’ emotions very well.
小題4:What can be inferred about the elephants’ behavior from this passage?
A．Elephants learn from their experience.
B．Elephants have sharper sense of smell than sight.
C．Elephants are more intelligent than other animals.
D．Elephants tend to attack rather than escape when in danger.

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Scholarship Application Tips in 2013 for college students
·Before you apply
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2. Get involved, and stay involved, in extracurricular(課外的)activities. Sports, clubs, drama, bands and orchestras－these often count toward a student’s overall scholarship application evaluation. The same goes for paid (or unpaid) work experience.
3. Begin your scholarship research early－by your sophomore(大學二年級)or junior year of high school, if possible. Make special note of application deadlines, as they can vary from late summer to late spring.
4. Apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible(符合條件的)for－several smaller scholarships can add up to a lot of money.
·During the application process
1. Read the supplementary materials that come with scholarship application forms to better understand the program’s focus (community service, subject interest). Try to answer the questions with the focus area in mind.
2. Answer questions as they are asked. Don’t got off topic.
3. If there is a financial component to the application, make sure you get accurate and complete information from all appropriate sources to ensure your eligibility.
4. Take your time. Write down everything you can think of for each question, then set the application aside for a day so you can look everything over again before you send it off.
5. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your application, especially if you are applying online. Computer systems can get clogged(阻塞的)with the large volume of applicants hoping to submit their qualifications during the last few days and hours before a deadline.
6. If a third party has to complete part of your application, such as providing a letter of recommendation, make sure you ask them early on and remind them as often as necessary to ensure they provide you with the necessary materials.
7. Last but not least, review your application with your parents to make sure you haven’t left out any important details.
Good luck to the students applying for the 2013 scholarship programs!
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A．pay more attention to grades than to extracurricular activities
B．focus on only one scholarship application
C．get as much work experience as possible
D．begin your preparation as early as possible
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A．focus on the subject you are interested in
B．answer to the point
C．list your advantages
D．prove your abilities
小題3:The author suggests that applicants should      .
A．submit the application in the few days
B．double-check their application with their parents
C．complete and submit the application in one day
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We can express our feelings and needs by using body language. Cats can do that too. The ways that cats use their tails to show their feelings and needs are interesting.
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In conclusion, cats use their tails in many different, sometimes funny ways to send us messages, and we can learn to know more.
小題1:According to the text, in which way are cats different from dogs?
A．Cats draw more attention from humans than dogs.
B．Cats are friendlier to humans than dogs.
C．Cats have more feelings than dogs.
D．Cats show more feelings with tails than dogs.
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C．show friendship to its ownerD．warn strangers to keep off
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A．A cat can use its tail tip to show its feelings.
B．We should pay attention to the tip of a cat’s tail.
C．Why a cat holds the tip of its tail pointed downwards
D．A cat has many ways to express its feelings

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A．should be avoided
B．is universal among parents
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C．parental restrictions vary, and are not always for the benefit of the children alone
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A．opinion B．punishmentC．behaviorD．instruction
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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

International experts meeting in Australia say global carbon emissions (排放) can be reduced by more than 50 percent through simple energy saving measures. People at a conference in Australia, which increasingly relies on coal for power, say that reducing power consumption is an affordable way to both cut energy costs and reduce pollution.
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A range of simple solutions include using energy-efficient homes, household appliances and lighting, and driving electric cars. Encouraging homeowners and office workers to switch off their televisions and computers at the end of the day is also seen as an effective way to save electricity.
Grayson Heffner, from the Paris-based International Energy Agency, says reducing consumption could greatly cut global carbon emissions. He calls efficiency strategies (策略) the “soft giant” of clean energy.
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While most nations have some sort of government-sponsored energy efficiency programs, energy analysts say initiatives (主動性) by individuals and companies can also help cut demand.
Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, a non-profit group based in Washington, says other developing nations are recognizing the benefits of cutting power consumption and taking action.
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C．Turning off computers after work.
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B．Ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be discussed.
C．Using clean energy is the strategy to cut global carbon emissions.
D．The key to reducing greenhouse gases in the short term is to improve energy efficiency.
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B．All nations have government-sponsored energy efficiency programs.
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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

In a great many cities, hundreds of people ride bicycles to work every day. In New York City, some bike riders have even formed a group called Bike for a Better City. They declare that if more people rode bicycles to work, there would be fewer automobiles in the downtown part of the city and so less dirty air from car engines.
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The city government has not yet decided what to do. It wants to keep everyone happy. On weekends, Central Park-the largest place of open ground in New York-is closed to cars, and the roads may be used by bicycles only. But Bike for a Better City says that this is not enough and keeps fighting to get bicycle lanes downtown.
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B．have no cars of their own
C．are complaining there are not enough buses
D．are trying to settle the problem of air pollution
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A．they will make cars and buses run slowly
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C．they will make the city more beautiful
D．the lanes will prevent accidents
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A．so that everyone is disappointed
B．because there are different opinions
C．because most people travel by train
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小題4:Cars are not permitted to enter Central Park on weekends _________.
A．so that Bike for a Better City is pleased
B．so that everyone is happy
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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Here is some news of the future.
March 20, 2035
There was a lot of news around the life extension drugs that hit the market a decade ago. They didn't promise that you would like forever, but they gave you a chance to extend your life an extra five to ten years. Even though the life expectancy rate at birth has increased greatly, the life expectancy for seniors hasn't improved that much. Basically, you have a greater chance to become a senior, but you will not have a much longer lifespan, and this is where the anti-aging drugs intend to kick in. So, do the anti-aging drugs work? Well，it is too early to tell. But the sales so far are very good.
April 19, 2035
Of the total US population of 378 million, people over 65 years of age now make up 20% for the first time. The senior ratio of only 4.1% by year 1900, and 12.4% 30 years ago.
The number of people above 65 compared to those of what is considered working ages, between 15 and 64, is currently 33.7%. This is up from 18.5% since year 2005, which means that for every retired person there are now two workers, compared to four workers 30 years ago. The number of people above the age of 80 has grown to 23.8 million, making them 6.3% of the total population compared to 3.6% in 2005.
April 12, 2040
Although introduced in the market only five years ago, 10% of all hydrogen fuel now sold in the US is of the environmentally friendly Re-Hydro label, produced through eletrolysis(電解) based on a source of 100% renewable energy. Several producers have turned to producing Re-Hydro, mainly because of lower tax, which also keeps the price of Re-Hydro on the same level as regular hydrogen. Most analysts believe that Re-Hydro will be the dominating fuel in the future.
小題1:According to News 1 we know that the life extension drugs ____.
A．were first sold in the year 2025.
B．are made to make people live forever.
C．should be taken when people are young.
D．have greatly increased the life expectancy rate at birth.
小題2:The sales of the life extension drugs so far clearly show that_____.
A．people have no faith in them
B．people want to give them a try
C．they work very well for seniors
D．they have no effect on people’s health
小題3:What can we learn from News 2?
A．Many Americans will find it hard to find a job.
B．It’s very hard for seniors to pass the age of 80.
C．The US population has been increasing rapidly since 2005.
D．The US population has been aging rapidly since 2005.
小題4:We can know from the passage that the fuel of the Re-Hydro label is ______.
A．expensiveB．cheapC．greenD．dangerous
小題5:What can we infer from News 3?
A．Re-Hydro will be widely used in the future.
B．The government discourages the production of Re-Hydro.
C．Producers are not interested in producing Re-Hydro.
D．Re-Hydro is more expensive than regular hydrogen.

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Elaine Yu Yee-nee, 15, Creative Secondary School
Lockers are designed in a way to hide their contents for a reason. Otherwise, they’d have open fronts like cupboards. Searching students’ lockers would be total invasion(侵犯) of privacy. Having a locker is more than having a place to store your stuff. A locker also gives you the freedom to keep certain things hidden. These can include harmless personal items like diaries, letters and photos. Searching lockers could discomfit students and others might make fun of them.
Yes, lockers are school property(財產). But that doesn’t give schools the right to inspect lockers as they please. While students are using lockers, they have the right to keep their contents private. Teachers could ask for permission to take a look inside a student’s locker and if the student is OK with that, then it would be fine. Searching students’ lockers without their permission would result in the loss of trust.
I doubt that students who have something dangerous to hide, such as weapons or drugs, would put them in their lockers. They would not want to risk being caught so easily.
Giving schools the right to search lockers would not help catch those who commit crimes. But it would certainly create an environment in which students would be embarrassed to have their belongings shown in public for no good reason.
Ronald Ling Pak-ki, 20, University of Hong Kong
Many students see their lockers as personal property. They would never agree that schools should have the right to inspect their lockers. But I think schools have an absolute right to do so.
It is the schools that actually own the lockers. Students just use them to store some of their things safely and conveniently. There are clear rules on what items students can and cannot keep in their lockers. Schools have both the duty and the right to check if students are following the rules.
I don’t think school authorities would decide to search a student’s locker unless they felt the need to do so. They might, for instance, suspect students of hiding drugs. To make sure that the process remains open and fair, only authorized teachers should have the right to search lockers. The search should be carried out in such a way as not to embarrass students in front of others.
小題1:What are .the two students talking about?
A．How to make sure schools are safe.
B．Whether there are crimes in schools.
C．Whether schools can search students’ lockers.
D．How to establish trust between teachers and students.
小題2:The underlined word could be replaced by ___.
A．embarrassB．frightenC．worryD．challenge
小題3:According to Elaine, school lockers ____.
A．are students’ personal property
B．should be changed into cupboards
C．are likely to hold some dangerous things
D．can be searched with students’ permission
小題4:Which of the following would Ronald agree with?
A．Students won’t hide drugs in lockers.
B．Students use lockers but don’t own them.
C．Students should not put personal things in lockers.
D．Students may forbid teachers to inspect their lockers.

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