Life on Mars could become a reality and it could happen in your lifetime.
A welcoming planet
Scientists say Earth’s neighbor Mars, a bright red planet about half Earth’s size, is the most likely to support human life. Mars even has frozen water on its surface.
Since the late 1990s, NASA has been exploring Mars using remote-controlled vehicles(裝置). Most recently Curiosity, a car-size vehicle, traveled through space on an unpiloted spacecraft(航天器) and landed on Mars in August 2012. Directed by NASA scientists , the vehicles move on the surface, taking pictures , collecting and analyzing soil, and looking for signs of life.
But what about human explorers? Plans are already in the works to send astronauts to Mars as soon as the mid-2030s.
_____________________________________
But before you start packing your bags, let’s consider the challenges. For starters, Mars is far away. Just getting there could take up to 10 months.
Scientists already know that time away from Earth’s gravity harms the human body. Bones and muscles get weaker. The body produces less blood. What damage would months and months of living in space do?
And then there is the matter of water, oxygen, food and fuel. Scientists will have to find solutions to these problems, or the first humans on Mars won’t survive very long in their new home.
Tiny Dangers
There’s another tinier risk. It’s so tiny that you can’t even see it: germs.
Some scientists believe that our germs could pollute the whole planet of Mars. Potentially killing Martian life before we have the chance to discover it. Worse, there is a small but terrifying chance that any microscopic life already there might be harmful to us .
Worse still, if any of those Martian germs(火星細(xì)菌) were brought back to Earth, the result could be disastrous. Animals, plants, and people could be wiped out.
Worth the $$$?
A more practical concern is the cost. The price could approach $ 1 trillion(萬億). How can we justify spending that much when so many problems—poverty, disease—could use the cash here on Earth?
小題1:Which of the following is TRUE according to the “A welcoming planet” part?
A.Mars is a little bigger than Earth.
B.There are flowing rivers on Mars.
C.People haven’t been to Mars so far.
D.Scientists have discovered signs of life on Mars.
小題2:Which of the following can best fill in the blank in the passage?
A.Living in space.B.Limited resources.
C.Extreme conditions.D.Interesting challenges.
小題3:By “Tiny dangers” the author means ________________.
A.there is no serious danger
B.people won’t be in any danger
C.it’s difficult for people to realize the danger
D.the danger may be caused by very small things
小題4:Which may cause the biggest danger?
A.Martian germs may be different from those on Earth.
B.Martian germs may be brought back to Earth.
C.People may carry germs to Mars.
D.There may be germs on Mars.
小題5:Which section of a newspaper is the passage most probably taken from?
A.PeopleB.HistoryC.ScienceD.Business

小題1:C
小題2:C
小題3:D
小題4:B
小題5:C

試題分析:火星移民到底能不能實現(xiàn)?科學(xué)家目前對火星進(jìn)行了許多研究,并認(rèn)為目前移民是很困難、有風(fēng)險的。火星的環(huán)境和地球差距很大,但是并不代表未來不可行。這吸引了人們的執(zhí)著追尋。
小題1:細(xì)節(jié)理解題。由“ Plans are already in the works to send astronauts to Mars as soon as the mid-2030s.”可知讓人們登上火星還要等到21世紀(jì)年30年代中期。 故選C。
小題2:推理判斷題。這一部分主要講了前往火星最主要的困難,因此是極端的條件。Living in space.                 生活在太空;Limited resources.有限的資源;Extreme conditions.極端的條件;Interesting challenges.有趣的條件。故選C。
小題3:推理判斷題。由“There’s another tinier risk. It’s so tiny that you can’t even see it: germs.”可知,微生物對火星和地球都是潛在的威脅,但是它們太小以至于看不見。故選D。
小題4:細(xì)節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)“Worse still, if any of those Martian germs(火星細(xì)菌) were brought back to Earth, the result could be disastrous. Animals, plants, and people could be wiped out. ”可知,火星帶回來的細(xì)菌很可能是致命的。故選B。
小題5:推理判斷題。本文主要講了火星移民的風(fēng)險和困難,是一篇科普性質(zhì)的文章,因此來源于“科學(xué)” 報。故選C。
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

Dear Dean,
It is my understanding that this college has received a large donation to be used to improve the quality of life for students: expand the bookstore or add computers to the lab. I strongly argue in favor of the addition of more computers.
We have to think about a greater goal and a more practical way to enhance the quality of life for students. 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 research in their field using the best tools provided by technology?
As a learning institution, this college has the responsibility to offer its students the best technology to help them prepare for their future, since many students will be expected to be familiar with the latest software and other tools when they go on to work.
While they are in college, students find they are expected to use computers. They are asked to create PowerPoint presentations and research many topics on the Internet. Being able to do projects using the computer also gives students the opportunity to find information that without a computer would be much more difficult to find. Since students are competing for good grades, those who have limited access to computers are at a great disadvantage.
If there are more new and faster computers accessible, students will 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.
The more computers are used in society, the more colleges will depend on them as a tool of teaching and learning. Making computers more accessible to students facilitates their learning process by making it much easier and more engaging(專注), and eventually improves their quality of life.
小題1:The purpose of the author in writing the passage is________.
A.to explain why students are in great need of computers
B.to tell us what benefits students can gain from computers
C.to persuade the Dean to purchase more advanced computers
D.to describe the problems caused by lack of computers
小題2:The author mainly wants to tell us in paragraph four that ________.
A.computers are beneficial to students’ academic success
B.computers are the only access to good grades for students
C.students find it convenient to do homework by computers
D.students wish to use more money to buy more computers
小題3:The underlined word “facilitates” can be replaced by________.
A.furthersB.equipsC.predictsD.troubles
小題4:Which of the following shows the structure of the passage?
A.

B.

C.

D.

CP: Central point    P: Point    SP: Sub-point(次要點)    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

You put a great deal of effort into reaching the college of your choice. It’s time to get started. But what’s next? Beginning college can be an exciting but awkward time. Follow these tips to adjust to your new life rapidly and make the most of your college experience.
● To save time and money, use the college’s bus system. Taking the bus to school is quick, easy and free in most college towns. You won’t have to locate or afford a place to park either. It’s also a good way to be environmentally aware.
● Save pennies on books by waiting until class starts. You might not even need all of the recommended books. New textbooks cost an arm and a leg. Try buying used textbooks — it’s a surefire way to save money and serves the purpose as well.
● Do never look at college life as an endless series of parties and social activities. But there is a whole lot more to college if you’re serious about graduating. Having a good college experience is all about balancing work and fun.
● Be aware that your living environment can largely affect your academic success. If the dorm doesn’t suit you, consider living at home with your family or renting your own apartment. The best location for your studies isn’t always your dorm. Find a quiet area, like the library, to do your work. Alternatively, buy some headphones that block out noise.
● Be mindful of your diet. Make healthy food choices and watch what you eat. Avoid foods that are processed or high in sugar. The “freshman 15” is real. Many college students gain at least 15 pounds during their freshmen year.
● While electives (選修課) can be helpful when figuring out your major, you shouldn’t entirely rely on them. Clubs and other organizations exist around. Get involved. Make sure, though, that you still have time to study. Having too much on your plate can hurt your grades.
小題1:Which of the following ideas can be financially wise? 
A.Driving your own car.B.Buying used books.
C.Renting an apartment.D.Attending activities.
小題2:In the text, freshmen are repeatedly warned against ______.
A.a(chǎn)cademic failuresB.physical problems
C.traffic accidentsD.social activities
小題3:The “freshman 15” tells the fact that some freshmen ______.
A.a(chǎn)ttend limited activities on campus
B.have little regular physical exercise
C.focus less on their academic work
D.take relaxed attitudes to their diets
小題4: The underlined phrase “having too much on your plate” probably refers to ______.
A.using too much money for meals
B.eating too many unhealthy foods
C.taking part in too many after-class activities
D.taking an elective that has too many students

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

400-year-old plants from the Little Ice Age were brought back to life, which could help us understand how the Earth will deal with climate change.
Moss(蘚類植物) found buried beneath the Teardrop glacier(冰川) on Ellesmere Island in Canada has been brought back to life. Findings suggest that these plants could help repopulate regions exposed by melting ice caps. Plants that were buried beneath thick ice in Canada more than 400 years ago and were thought to have frozen to death have been brought back to life by Canadian scientists.
Samples of the moss plant, covered by the glacier during the Little Ice Age of 1550 to 1850 AD, were replanted in a lab at the University of Alberta and grew new stems(莖). Researchers now think these findings can give indication as to how regions can recover as the ice covering them melts.
Biologist Dr. Catherine La Farge and her team at the University of Alberta were exploring the region around the Teardrop glacier on Ellesmere Island. Ice on Ellesmere Island region has been melting at around four meters each year for the past nine years. This means that many areas of land that were previously covered by ice have since been exposed. Many ecosystems that were thought to have been destroyed during the Little Ice Age between 1550 and 1850 AD can now be studied, including many species that have never been studied before.
While examining an exposed area of land, La Farge and her team discovered a small area of moss called Aulacomnium turgidum. It is a type of bryophyte(苔蘚類植物) plant that mainly grows across Canada, the US and the Highlands of Scotland.
Dr La Farge noticed that the moss had small patches of green stems, suggesting it is either growing again or can be encouraged to repopulate. Dr La Farge told the BBC, “When we looked at the samples in detail and brought them to the lab, I could see some of the stems actually had new growth of green branches, suggesting that these plants are growing again, and that blew my mind. When we think of thick areas of ice covering the landscape, we’ve always thought that plants have to come from refugia(瀕絕生物保護(hù)區(qū)), never considering that land plants come from underneath a glacier. It’s a whole world of what’s coming out from underneath the glacier that really needs to be studied. The ice is disappearing pretty fast. We really have not examined all the biological systems that exist in the world; we don’t know it all.”
Dr La Farge took samples of the moss and, using carbon-dating techniques, discovered that the plants date back to the Little Ice Age. Dr La Farge’s team took the samples, planted them in dishes full of nutrient-rich potting soil and fed them with water.
The samples were from four separate species including Aulacomnium turgidum, Distichium capillaceum, Encalypta procera and Syntrichia ruralis. The moss plants found by Dr La Farge are types of bryophytes. Bryophytes can survive long winters and regrow when the weather gets warmer.
However, Dr La Farge was surprised that the plants buried under ice have survived into the twenty-first century. Her findings appear in proceedings(論文集)of the National Academy of Sciences.
小題1:Dr La Farge’s research is of great importance to ________.
A.knowing what the plants during the Little Ice Age were like
B.understanding how ecosystems recover from glaciers.
C.regrowing many species that have been destroyed before.
D.figuring out the effects of melting ice caps on moss.
小題2:The underlined part “blew my mind” in Paragraph 6 can best be replaced by “________”.
A.surprised meB.greatly frightened me
C.put my doubt out of my mindD.was exactly what I had in my mind
小題3:According to the passage, Aulacomnium turgidum ________.
A.lives better in small groups
B.is very active in hot weather
C.is strong enough to survive coldness
D.is chosen from Canadian refugia
小題4:Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A.Bryophyte ecology is greatly affected by climate change.
B.400-year-old moss’s survival is a mystery to solve.
C.Moss in ancient times was discovered in Canada.
D.400-year-old plants were brought back to life.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

Many people are aware of the beauty of a solar eclipse (日食), but are surprised to learn that lunar eclipses are often just as impressive. While total solar eclipse lasts only for a few minutes and can be seen only in a small area of a few kilometers, total lunar eclipse can last for several hours and can be seen over much of the planet. In fact, the beauty and stability of lunar eclipses make them a favorite of both amateur and professional photographers.
Lunar eclipses generally occur two or three times a year, and are possible only when the Moon is full. When we see the Moon, we are actually seeing sunlight reflected off the surface of the Moon When the Earth is positioned in between the Moon and the Sun, however, the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, and a lunar eclipse occurs.
The type of lunar eclipse - total, partial, or penumbral (半影) - that occurs depends both on how much of the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow and through which part of the shadow it passes. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's outer shadow. This type of eclipse is brief and frequently goes unobserved by all but astronomers. By contrast, total and partial eclipses occur when all or part, respectively, of the Moon passes through the umbra(本影) shadow of the Earth. These eclipses are quite easy to see and are widely observed.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch. Solar radiation that occurs during an eclipse of the Sun can cause a form of burns of one's eyes known as eclipse blindness. In fact, the only way to safely view a solar eclipse is by using specially designed equipment. However, since the Moon's light is reflected sunlight, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse without any special equipment, although a pair of binoculars can certainly help the viewer appreciate the beauty of this phenomenon
小題1:The underlined word "stability " most probably means_______.
A.strengthB.positionC.steadinessD.visibility
小題2:According to the passage, a partial lunar eclipse occurs________.
A.when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth
B.when all of the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra shadow
C.when only a part of the Moon passes through the Earth's outer shadow
D.when only a part of the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra shadow
小題3:The passage implies that penumbral eclipses are________.
A.longer-lasting than most solar eclipses
B.more common than partial or full lunar eclipse
C.the result of the shadow cast by the Moon onto the Earth
D.more difficult to observe than other types of lunar eclipse
小題4:According to the passage, it is safe to watch a lunar eclipse, unlike a solar eclipse, because ________.
A.moonlight is less strong than sunlight
B.a(chǎn) lunar eclipse is briefer than a solar eclipse
C.a(chǎn) lunar eclipse lasts much longer than a solar eclipse
D.special equipment can be employed to view a lunar eclipse

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

A few degrees can make a big difference when it comes to food storage. Foods can go bad if they get too warm. But for many of the world’s poor, finding a good way to keep food cool is difficult. Refrigerators are costly and they need electricity.
Yet spoiled food not only creates health risks but also economic losses. Farmers lose money when they have to throw away products that they cannot sell quickly.
But in nineteen ninety-five a teacher in northern Nigeria named Mohammed Bah Abba found a solution. He developed the “Pot-in-Pot Preservation/Cooling System.” It uses two round containers made of clay. A smaller pot is placed inside a larger one. The space between the two pots is filled with wet sand. The inner pot can be filled with fruit, vegetables or drinks. A wet cloth covers the whole cooling system.
Food stored in the smaller pot is kept from spoiling through a simple evaporation(蒸發(fā)) process. Water in the sand between the two pots evaporates through the surface of the larger pot, where drier outside air is moving.
The evaporation process creates a drop in temperature of several degrees. This cools the inner pot and helps keep food safe from harmful bacteria. Some foods can be kept fresh this way for several weeks.
People throughout Nigeria began using the invention. And it became popular with farmers in other African countries. Mohammed Bah Abba personally financed the first five thousand pot-in-pot systems for his own community and five villages nearby.
In two thousand, the Rolex Watch Company of Switzerland honored him with the Rolex Award for Enterprise. This award recognizes people trying to develop projects aimed at improving human knowledge and well-being. A committee considers projects in science and medicine, technology, exploration and discovery, the environment and cultural history. Winners receive financial assistance to help develop and extend their projects.
小題1:Which is the best title of the passage?
A.A Few Degrees can Make a Big Difference for Storage
B. A Cool Way to Keep Food from Spoiling
C. Spoiled Food Creates Health Risks and Economic Losses
D. The Evaporation Process Creates a Drop in Temperature
小題2:What does the third paragraph mainly talk about?
A.the structure of the invention
B.the usage of the invention
C.the cost of the invention
D.the inspiration of the invention
小題3:What is it that essentially keeps the food in the container from spoiling?
A.the wet cloth covering the cooling system.
B.the moving drier air outside the container
C.the wet sand between the containers
D.a(chǎn) drop in temperature by evaporation
小題4:According to the passage, where can we possibly see the invention?
A.rich and advanced families
B.scientific experiment laboratory
C.poor and underdeveloped area
D.supermarket needing to store goods
小題5:We can know from the passage that Mohammed Bah Abba ____________.
A.invented the controversial cooling system
B.financed the systems in all communities
C.received financial assistance for his invention
D.invented more complicated cooling system later

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

Apologizing is both an Art and a Science. The Art lies in the manner in which the apology is delivered while the Science is the recipe that forms the apology itself. A proper apology should always include several ingredients. Now let’s take a closer look at these ingredients.
Give a detailed account of the offense, and make sure both you and the other person are talking about the same thing. Whether you make it in secret or public doesn’t matter, but your apology should be focused on the particular event.
Next, by acknowledging the hurt or damage done, you are making the recipient (接受者) begin to sense that you understand the situation. It is important to rebuild your relationship because it makes them feel their anger is understandable.
Don’t try to defend yourself by offering any excuses, which is important to let them know that you understand the event and you actions do cause them harm. The apology is all about THEM and how they feel. It doesn’t matter if the actions were intentional or not, the end result is the same and that is what needs to be focused on when learning how to say, “I’m sorry”.
Give a sincere statement of regret such as “I apologize” or “I’m sorry”. Above all, tell them it won’t happen again. After all, there is no value in apologizing for something that you will do again and again.
Finally, asking for forgiveness at the end of the apology gives the power back to the recipient. It tells them, that you have done all that you can do by apologizing and providing whatever form of restitution(補償)you can. The next move is up to them.
By including all these ingredients and applying them to your situation, you will know exactly how to say “I’m sorry” next time you need to.
小題1:The passage mainly tells readers ____.
A.the importance of apologizing
B.the process of apologizing
C.how to apologize effectively
D.how to repair a broken friendship
小題2:How will the recipient react when you admit hurting them?
A.They will be sorry for being angry with you.
B.They will treat you differently right away.
C.They will understand the situation better.
D.They will think their former reaction normal.
小題3:When you make an apology, you should concentrate on ____.
A.finding out better excuses
B.taking responsibility for the event
C.defending yourself from more harm
D.understanding the current situation
小題4:What is the key to any apology?
A.A sincere statement of regret.
B.Giving the recipient more power.
C.A promise that you won’t repeat your wrongdoings.
D.Giving the recipient a detailed account of the event.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

A new generation addiction is quickly spreading all over the world. Weboholism ,a twentieth century disease, affects people from different ages. They surf the net, use email and speak in chat rooms. They spend many hours on the computer, and it becomes a compulsive habit. They cannotstop, and it affects their lives.
Ten years ago, no one thought that using computers could become compulsive behavior that could affect the social and physical life of computer users. This obsessional behavior has affected teenagers and college students. They are likely to log on computers and spend long hours at different websites.
They become hooked on computers and gradually their social and school life is affected by this situation.They spend all free time surfing and don't concentrate on homework,so this addiction influences their grades and success at school. Because they can find everything on the websites, they hang out there. Moreover, this addiction to websites influences their social life. They spend more time in front of computers than with their friends.The relation with their friends changes.The virtual life becomes more important than their real life.They have a new language that they speak in the chat rooms and it causes cultural changes in society.
Because of the change in their behavior, they begin to isolate themselves from the society  and live with their virtual friends. They share their emotions and feelings with friends who they have never met in their life. Although they feel confident on the computer, they are not confident with real live friends they have known all their life. It is a problem for the future. This addictive behavior is beginning to affect all the world.
小題1:The main idea of the passage is about ____________.
A.the cause of weboholismB.the advantage of weboholism
C.the popularity of weboholismD.the influence of weboholism
小題2:The underlined word “obsessional” in the second paragraph most probably means _______.
A.a(chǎn)ttractiveB.a(chǎn)ddictiveC.professionalD.potential
小題3:We can infer from the passage that __________.
A.weboholism has the greatest effect on teenagers
B.students can hardly balance real and virtual life
C.people are addicted to games on the Internet
D.virtual life is more vivid and attractive anyway
小題4:Which of the following is NOT true of weboholism?
A.It contributes to the development of the web.
B.The chat room language may change social culture.
C.The problem will be getting more and more serious later.
D.People addicted to the web often become inactive in real life.
小題5:The author's attitude towards weboholism is that of being________.
A.optimisticB.positiveC.negativeD.a(chǎn)cceptable

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

Have you ever wondered why birds sing? Maybe you thought that they were just happy.After all, you probably sing when you are happy.
Some scientists believe that birds do sing some of the time just because they are happy.However they sing most of the time for a very different reason.Their singing is actually a warning to other birds to stay out of their territory.
Do you know what a “territory” is? A territory is an area that an animal, usually the male, claims (聲稱) as its own.Only he and his family are welcome there. No other families of the same species are welcome.Your house is your territory where only your family and friends are welcome.If a stranger should enter your territory and threaten you, you might shout.Probably this would be enough to frighten him away.
If so, you have actually frightened the stranger away without having to fight him.A bird does the same thing.But he expects an outsider almost any time, especially at nesting (筑巢) season.So he is screaming all the time, whether he can see an outsider or not.This screaming is what we call a bird’s song, and it is usually enough to keep an outsider away.
小題1:Some scientists believe that most of the time bird’s singing is actually ______.
A.a(chǎn)n expression of happinessB.a(chǎn) way of warning
C.a(chǎn)n expression of angerD.a(chǎn) way of greeting
小題2:What is a bird’s “territory”?
A.A place where families of other species are not accepted.
B.A place where a bird may shout at the top of its voice.
C.An area for which birds fight against each other.
D.An area which a bird considers to be its own.
小題3:Why do birds keep on singing at nesting season?
A.Because they want to invite more friends.
B.Because their singing helps frighten outsiders away.
C.Because they want to find outsiders around.
D.Because their singing helps get rid of their fears.
小題4:How does the writer explain birds’ singing?
A.By comparing birds with human beings.
B.By reporting experiment results.
C.By describing birds’ daily life.
D.By telling a bird’s story.

查看答案和解析>>

同步練習(xí)冊答案