科普环保类阅读理解选编（1）
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
Strawberry (草莓) fields dotted with hunched-over workers picking and packaging, then pushing the delicate red fruit to waiting trucks — it is a typical winter scene embedded in the patchwork of homes and farms that make up eastern Hillsborough County.
That scene is changing, though, as the labor pool shrinks and technology comes knocking. Wish Farms owner Gary Wishnatzki and his engineer partner Bob Pitzer are banking on technology.
As strawberry season wrapped up in February, their driverless strawberry-picking machine drove into the fields for some test runs. The results were impressive and enlightening（有启迪作用的）, Wishnatzki said.
For some three years now, farmers have been forced to abandon millions of dollars worth of strawberries in fields, mostly in Hillsborough and Manatee counties, because they lacked laborers, industry experts say. The problem has been just as serious in California, Arizona and other farm communities.
The reasons for the shrinking worker pool are numerous. Migrant（移民）workers who have picked the fields for years are aging. Young adults in migrant families already in the United States are getting better educations and have more choices these days, including the construction industry, which again is on the upswing. Stricter security is allowing fewer undocumented workers to cross the border from Mexico. And Mexicans are having much smaller families now — just over two children per family, compared with 7.3 per family in 1960, according to a Pew Hispanic Center report released in 2012.
And since Mexico’s economy bounced back faster than that of the U.S., more Mexicans have been able to find work closer to home, according to the study.
“We came up with a concept we perceive as a necessity,” Wishnatzki said. “The labor pool has been shrinking for over 10 years now. It has been pretty harmful.” So in 2012, he and Pitzer formed their partnership, Harvest CROO Robotics, to develop a mechanical picker.
The Harvest CROO design has multiple picking heads that will move across a field, picking 25 acres over a three-day period, the typical time for picking fruit as it ripens. It has a “vision system” to distinguish between red and green strawberries and is able to get under the leaves to find and pick the ripe berries.
Picking strawberries is nothing like using a combine on a corn field, coming through and thrashing down the plants. Strawberries are delicate and ripen in various intervals, which Harvest CROO is taking into account in developing its machine.
A strawberry-picking machine will never completely replace the need for human labor in the fields, Wishnatzki said, but if the machines can supplement（补充）labor enough to keep the industry profitable, he and Pitzer will have met their goal.
【小题1】Which of the following describes the typical winter scene of eastern Hillsborough County
A．Farmers work hard on a corn field.
B．Workers pick and package strawberries.
C．Scientists test machines in strawberry fields.
D．Farmers operate strawberry-picking machines.
【小题2】The mechanical picker is introduced due to ______.
A．the labor shortage
B．the market demand
C．the aging of the local population
D．the new concept of farming
【小题3】Which of the following statements about Mexicans is true according to the passage
A．Mexicans like to find jobs far away from home.
B．There are more Mexican laborers than needed in Arizona.
C．Security regulations now make it easier to employ Mexicans.
D．Young people from migrant Mexican families now have access to more career choices.
【小题4】 The “vision system” is designed to ______.
A．take pictures
B．locate leaves
C．find the ripe berries
D．help the color-blind
【小题5】The goal of developing the strawberry-picking machine is to ______.
A．get rid of human labor
B．help farmers make money
C．show the power of robots
D．compete with the corn industry
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
The following are selected contributors’ notes for an essay collection.
KATY BUTLER, a 2004 finalist for a National Magazine Award, has written for The New Yorker, the New York Times, Mother Jones, Salon, Tricycle, and other magazines. She was born in South Africa and raised in England, and came to the United States with her family at the age of eight. “Everything Is Holy,” her essay about nature worship, Buddhism (佛学), and ecology, was selected for Best Buddhist Writing 2006. In 2009 she won a literary award from the Elizabeth George Foundation. “What Broke My Father’s Heart” was named a “notable narrative” by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, won a first-place award from the Association of Health Care Journalists, and was named one of the 100 Best Magazine Articles of All Time. Butler has taught narrative nonfiction at Nieman Foundation conferences and memoir writing at Esalen Institute. Her current book project is Knocking on Heaven’s Door: A Journey Through Old Age and New Medicine to be published in 2013.
VICTOR LAVALLE is the author of a collection of stories, Slapboxing with Jesus, and two novels, The Ecstatic and Big Machine, for which he won the Shirley Jackson Award, the American Book Award, and the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence. He is a 2010 Guggenheim Award winner and an assistant professor at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. About “Long Distance” he says: “This essay actually came about when I was asked to write about my life after having lost a great deal of weight. And yet, when I sat down to work, all I could do was return to that time when I was much heavier and deeply unhappy. Why I sure didn’t miss those days. And yet, I felt I couldn’t write about my present without touching on that past. But, of course, I never reach the true present in the essay. Maybe I still don’t know how to talk about a life with greater happiness. ”
BRIDGET POTTER was born in Brompton-on-Swale, Yorkshire, and came to the United States as a teenager in 1958. She spent the first forty years of her career in television, beginning as a secretary, then as a producer and an executive, including fifteen years as senior vice president of original programming at HBO. In 2007 she earned a BA in cultural anthropology from Columbia University. This year she will complete an MFA in nonfiction, also from Columbia, where she has been an instructor in the University Writing Program. She is currently working on her first book, a memoir / social history of the 1960s, from which her essay “Lucky Girl” is adapted.
PATRICIA SMITH is the author of five books of poetry, including Blood Dazzler, chronicling the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, which was a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award, and Teahouse of the Almighty, a National Poetry Series selection. Her work has appeared in Poetry, The Paris Review, TriQuarterly, and The Best American Poetry 2011. She is a Pushcart Prize winner and a four-time individual champion of the National Poetry Slam, the most successful poet in the competition’s history.
RESHMA MEMON YAQUB wouldn’t even be fit to write a grocery list were it not for her guardian editors. Her stories owe many glorious plot twists to Zain, eleven, and Zach, seven. Ditto their dad (Amer) and grandparents (Ali, Razia, Muhammad, Nasreen). Costars: Sophie, Sana, Yousef, and Maryam. Miss Yaqub lives in Bethesda, Maryland. Her next project is an investigation into the whereabouts (行踪) of two missing people: Mr. Right and Ms. Memoir Literary Agent.
【小题1】 Which of the following won the Shirley Jackson Award
A．Best Buddhist Writing 2006.
B．Teahouse of the Almighty.
C．Mother Jones.
D．Big Machine.
【小题2】 What is “Long Distance” mainly about
A．The true happiness in the writer’s present life.
B．Nature worship, Buddhism and ecology.
C．The whereabouts of two missing people.
D．The author’s past life experience.
【小题3】 When did the author of “Lucky Girl” come to the United States
A．In 1958. B．In 2007.
C．In 2010. D．In 2013.
【小题4】Who is the most successful poet in the competition’s history
A．BRIDGET POTTER. B．KATY BUTLER.
C．PATRICIA SMITH. D．VICTOR LAVALLE.
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·湖北，C)
We've reached a strange—some would say unusual—point. While fighting world hunger continues to be the matter of vital importance according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), more people now die from being overweight, or say, from being extremely fat, than from being underweight. It's the good life that's more likely to kill us these days.
Worse, nearly 18 million children under the age of five around the world are estimated to be overweight. What's going on
We really don't have many excuses for our weight problems. The dangers of the problem have been drilled into us by public health campaigns since 2001 and the message is getting through—up to a point.
In the 1970s, Finland, for example, had the highest rate of heart disease in the world and being overweight was its main cause. Not any more. A public health campaign has greatly reduced the number of heart disease deaths by 80 per cent over the past three decades.
Maybe that explains why the percentage of people in Finland taking diet pills doubled between 2001 and 2005, and doctors even offer surgery of removing fat inside and change the shape of the body. That has become a sort of fashion. No wonder it ranks as the world's most body conscious country.
We know what we should be doing to lose weight—but actually doing it is another matter. By far the most popular excuse is not taking enough exercise. More than half of us admit we lack willpower.
Others blame good food. They say: it's just too inviting and it makes them overeat. Still others lay the blame on the Americans, complaining that pounds have piled on thanks to eating too much American style fast food.
Some also blame their parents—their genes. But unfortunately, the parents are wronged because they're normal in shape, or rather slim.
It's a similar story around the world, although people are relatively unlikely to have tried to lose weight. Parents are eager to see their kids shape up. Do as I say—not as I do.
文章大意：本文讲述的是世界上的人们，因为生活变好，而导致的肥胖问题已经成为一个日益严峻的问题，本文深刻剖析了引起肥胖的各种原因，警醒人们要以健康为重。
9．What is the “strange” point mentioned in the first sentence
A．The good life is a greater risk than the bad life.
B．Starvation is taking more people's lives in the world.
C．WHO report shows people's unawareness of food safety.
D．Overweight issue remains unresolved despite WHO's efforts.
答案：A 推理判断题，第一段主要讲述人们在为了消除世界饥饿问题而大伤脑筋之时，过度肥胖却是另外一个更令人头痛的事情，甚至比饥饿问题更加严峻，因此选A。
10．Why does the author think that people have no excuse for being overweight
A．A lot of effective diet pills are available.
B．Body image has nothing to do with good food.
C．They have been made fully aware of its dangers.
D．There are too many overweight people in the world.
答案：C 细节理解题，根据文章The dangers of the problem have been drilled into us by public health campaigns可知，此事已经深入人心。
11．The example of Finland is used to illustrate ________.
A．the cause of heart disease
B．the fashion of body shaping
C．the effectiveness of a campaign
D．the history of a body conscious country
答案：C 细节理解题，根据文章的Not any more. A public health campaign has greatly reduced the number of heart disease deaths by 80 per cent over the past three decades可知，这场运动使得这个问题的解决起了很大的作用，因此选C。
12．Which would be the best title for the passage
A．Actions or Excuses
B．Overweight or Underweight
C．WHO in a Dilemma
D．No Longer Dying of Hunger
答案：A 整体理解题，本文主要论述了人们对于肥胖的各种借口和理由，却没有意识到我们应该采取行动去解决这个问题，由It's a similar story around the world, although people are relatively unlikely to have tried to lose weight. Parents are eager to see their kids shape up可以得出暗示。
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·陕西，D)
About 30 years ago, I left Cuba for the United States with my son. After getting settled finally in Brunswick, New Jersey，I enrolled(注册) my son in kindergarten. Several weeks later, my son's teacher asked me to meet him at his office.
In the teacher's office, and exchange of greetings was followed by his questions: “Is your son mentally retarded(弱智的)？Does he suffer from any kind of mental disability？”
Was he talking about my wonderful Scola No, no, it can't be. What a helpless, lonely moment! I told him that Scola was a quiet, sweet little boy, instead. I asked him why he was asking me all these questions.
My son could not follow the teacher's directions, he told me, and thus, Scola was disrupting the class. Didn't he know my son did not speak English yet
He was angry: “Why hasn't your son been taught to speak English Don't you speak English at home？”
No, I didn't speak English at home, I replied. I was sure my son would learn English in a couple of months, and I didn't want him to forget his native language. Well, wrong answer! What kind of person would not speak in English to her son at home and at all time “Are you one of those people who come to this country to save dollars and send them back to their country, never wanting to be a part of this society？”
Needless to say, I tried to tell him I was not one of “those people.” Then he told me the meeting was over, and I left.
As I had expected, my son learned to speak English fluently before the school year was over. He went on to graduate from college and got a job, earning close to six figures. He travels widely and leads a well adjusted, contented life. And he has benefited from being bilingual(双语的)．
Speaking more than one language allows people to communicate with others; it teaches people about other cultures and other places—something very basic and obviously lacking in the “educator” I met in New Jersey.
文章大意：本文是一篇记叙文，通过了一位新移民及其儿子的经历讲述了掌握两门语言的好处。
13．The teacher asked the author to his office________.
A．to discuss Scola's in class performance
B．to get Scola enrolled in kindergarten
C．to find a language partner for Scola
D．to work out a study plan for Scola
答案：A 细节理解题。由第四段可以看出老师让家长去办公室是谈论Scola的课堂表现。故选A项。
14．What does the underlined word “disrupting” in Paragraph 4 probably mean
A．Breaking.
B．Following.
C．Attending.
D．Disturbing.
答案：D 词义推测题。由上文“我的儿子不能跟上老师的指导”，因此Scola在扰乱课堂，故选D项，disturbing打扰，扰乱。
15．The author's attitude towards being bilingual may best be described as________.
A．critical B．casual
C．positive D．passive
答案：C 作者态度题。由文章最后两段，特别是He has benefited from being bilingual可知作者对于双语持肯定的态度，故选C项。
16．This text is likely to be selected from a book of ________.
A．medicine B．education
C．geography D．history
答案：B 推理判断题。本文讲述了掌握双语的好处，所以可能出自一本关于教育的书。
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- 8 -科普环保类阅读理解选编（2）
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
Scientists from China, Sweden and the United Stated have developed a high-producing rice that can reduce methane emission(甲烷排放), a major greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, from rice fields, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.
By inserting a barley(大麦) gene into rice, Sun Chuanxin and his colleagues created SUSIBA2 Rice, which stores more starch(淀粉) in the section of the rice above ground, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.This means the grains will have more starch while the root will exude less nutrients that will later be turned into methane by microbes(微生物) in the soil, Sun, who works with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, told Xinhua.
"It solves two major problems mankind faces at one time: environmental degradation and the need for increased grain output," Wang Feng, another scientist, said, adding that the rice can cut methane discharge by more than 90 percent during summer and more than half during autumn, as "the rice displays a greater emission reduction effect in high temperatures." Meanwhile, small-scale trials have also suggested an increased output: a single plant of the new breed has 300 more grains with a starch content 10 percent higher. Wang said the team is working on applications for the rice in different areas, seasons and using different farming techniques. "It's still far away from mass application, but at least we see the light of hope."
Human-induced methane, though less abundant than carbon dioxide in the air, is responsible for 20 percent of the global warming effect. Rice paddies are the largest single source of methane linked to human activity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, China produces 209 million tons of rice in 2014, or 28 percent of the world's total of 734 million.
【小题1】SUSIBA2 Rice will be a major breakthrough because _______.
A．it tastes with a barley flavor
B．it well balances environmental protection and grains increase
C．it contains more starch than the ordinary rice
D．it gives off less methane in summer than in winter
【小题2】What can we learn from the text
A．Scientists will soon grow the new rice in large areas
B．Human-related methane contributes most to global warming
C．China may contribute greatly to global warming reduction
D．Rice fields will be reduced all over the world
【小题3】The purpose of this writing is to ________.
A．ask people to cut down on their dependence on rice consumption
B．draw people’s attention to the serious consequences of global warming
C．introduce a new kind of genetically-modified rice and its possible benefits
D．indicate human-related methane alone is to blame for global warming effects
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
If you had a strange sound in your ear, what would you do One man in Wales who thought he had a fly in his ear called 999, the emergency services number in Britain. And so did a woman who was worried about her green potatoes. Could she make chips with them Were they poisonous She didn’t hesitate about calling the local ambulance service to ask. According to a recent report, more than 31,000 non-urgent calls were made to the Welsh Ambulance Service in the last year.
Inappropriate calls are a headache for health professionals everywhere. In the US, prank calls to 911 happen on a daily basis. Many callers use apps which hide their identity. But those who try to be funny shouldn’t be surprised if the police have the last laugh. One man from Colorado was arrested for making more than 1,200 prank calls, according to a report on the US television station KOAA—TV.
People who take these calls are trained to stay calm and keep a straight face, no matter how strange the call sounds. “There’s no way for us to know whether the call is real, accidental or a prank call,” said a public safety worker interviewed by the American TV channel.
The Head of Clinical Services at the Welsh Ambulance Service, Richard Lee, has a warning for prank callers. He says:“ When people misuse the service it means our precious time is being taken away from someone who really does need our help.” Indeed, these hotlines are supposed to help the seriously ill or those with a life-threatening injury. You never know, one day, the person who needs assistance could be you or someone in your family.
【小题1】How does the author introduce the topic of the text
A．By giving examples. B．By telling a story.
C．By listing figures. D．By making a comparison.
【小题2】According to the text, prank calls are usually________.
A．meant to be helpful B．dealt with in time
C．thought highly of D．made to play tricks
【小题3】What does the underlined phrase “have the last laugh” in Paragraph 2 probably mean
A．win at last. B．never find them.
C．laugh at them. D．know nothing.
【小题4】What does the author intend to suggest in the text
A．Prank calls are usually easy to identify.
B．Operators feel annoyed by strange callers.
C．Prank calls may cause serious results.
D．Prank callers should be punished by law.
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·北京，D)
Multitasking
People who multitask all the time may be the worst at doing two things at once, a new research suggests. The findings, based on performances and self evaluations by about 275 college students, indicated that many people multitask not out of a desire to increase productivity, but because they are easily distracted (分心) and can't focus on one activity. And “those people turn out to be the worst at handling different things，” said David Sanbonmatsu, a psychologist at the University of Utah.
Sanbonmatsu and his colleagues gave the students a set of tests and asked them to report how often they multitasked, how good they thought they were at it, and how sensation seeking (寻求刺激) or impulsive(冲动)they were. They then evaluated the participants' multitasking ability with a tricky mental task that required the students to do simple mathematical calculations while remembering a set of letters.
Not surprisingly, the scientists said, most people thought they were better than average at multitasking, and those who thought they were better at it were more likely to report using a cellphone while driving or viewing multiple kinds of media at once. But those who frequently deal with many things at the same time were found to perform the worst at the actual multitasking test. They also were more likely to admit to sensation seeking and impulsive behavior, which connects with how easily people get bored and distracted.
“People multitask not because it's going to lead to greater productivity, but because they're distractible, and they get sucked into things that are not as important，” Sanbonmatsu said.
Adam Gazzaley, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not a member of the research group, said one limitation of the study was that it couldn't find out whether people who start out less focused tend toward multitasking or whether people's recognizing and understanding abilities change as a result of multitasking.
The findings do suggest, however, why the sensation seekers who multitask the most may enjoy risky distracted driving. “People who are multitasking are generally less sensitive to risky situations，” said Paul Atchely, another researcher not in the group. “This may partly explain why people go in for these situations even though they're dangerous.”
文章大意：本文为一篇科普短文，介绍了Sanbonmastu与他的同事们的一项研究结果：同时干很多事情的人往往有最糟糕的结果，这是因为这些人干事情不专心，他们不能对潜在的危险作出迅速的反应。
17．The research led by Sanbonmatsu indicates that people who multitask ________.
A．seek high productivity constantly
B．prefer handling different things when getting bored
C．are more focused when doing many things at a time
D．have the poorest results in doing various things at the same time
答案：D 细节理解题。由文章第一句话研究结果：People who multitask all the time may be the worst at doing two things at once.可知，这样的人在同时干很多事情时往往结果最差，故正确答案为D。
18．When Sanbonmatsu and his colleagues conducted their research, they ________.
A．assessed the multitasking ability of the students
B．evaluated the academic achievements of the students
C．analyzed the effects of the participants' tricky mental tasks
D．measured the changes of the students' understanding ability
答案：A 细节理解题。文章第二段提到他们让参与的学生干这干那，然后他们“evaluates the participants' multitasking ability with a tricky mental task...”可知A项正确。
19．According to Sanbonmatsu, people multitask because of their ________.
A．limited power in calculation
B．interests in doing things differently
C．inability to concentrate on one task
D．impulsive desire to try new things
答案：C 细节理解题。由文章第四段Sanbonmastu所说的话“People multitask not because it's going to lead to greater productivity but because they are distractible and they get sucked into things that are not important.”可知。distractible意为“不专心的，分心的”，因此正确答案为C。
20．From the last paragraph, we can learn that multitaskers usually ________.
A．drive very skillfully
B．go in for difficult tasks
C．fail to react quickly to potential dangers
D．refuse to explain the reasons for their behavior
答案：C 推理判断题。文章最后一段提到研究结果表明：这些寻找感觉的人(sensation seekers指的是他们的感觉不灵敏)往往会“multitask the most”但是却有“enjoy risky distractible driving”的结果，这是因为这些人往往“less sensitive to risky situation”，即：对潜在的危险不能迅速作出反应，故C项为正确答案。
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·北京，A)
EP Portable Heater
We all know that the cost of heating our homes will continue to be a significant burden on the family budget. Now millions of people are saving on their heating bills with the EP portable heater. With over one million satisfied customers around the world, the new EP heats better and faster, saves more on heating bills, and runs almost silent.
The EP has no exposed heating parts that can cause a fire. The outside of the EP only gets warm to the touch so that it will not burn children or pets.
The EP will not reduce oxygen in the room. With other heaters, you'll notice that you get sleepy when the heat comes on because they are burning up oxygen.
The advanced EP also heats the room evenly,_wall to wall and floor to ceiling. It comfortably covers an area up to 350 square feet. Other heaters heat rooms unevenly with most of the heat concentrated to the center of the room. And they only heat an area a few feet around the heater. With the EP, the temperature will not vary in any part of the room.
The EP comes with a 3 year warranty (保修) and a 60 day, no questions asked, satisfaction guarantee. If you are not totally satisfied, return it at our expense and your money will be given back to you.
Now we have a special offer for 10 days, during which you can enjoy a half price discount and a free delivery. If you order after that, we reserve the right to either accept or reject order requests at the discounted price.
Take action right now!
文章大意：本文是一篇说明文，属广告文体，介绍了一种新型的暖风机。与其他的暖风机相比较，它的好处，目的是让读者买他们的产品。
1．What is mainly discussed in Paragraph 2
A．The heat of the EP.
B．The safety of the EP.
C．The appearance of the EP.
D．The material of the EP.
答案：B 主旨大意题。本题考查考生整体把握、提炼信息、概括总结的能力。A项“暖风机的热”；B项“暖风机的安全”；C项“暖风机的外表”；D项“暖风机的材料”。由第二段内容可知，这种暖风机不会引起火灾，不会烫伤孩子和宠物，显然是在讲它的安全，故正确答案为B项。
2．From the passage, we can learn that the EP ________.
A．doesn't burn up oxygen
B．runs without any noise
C．makes people get sleepy
D．is unsuitable for children and pets
答案：A 细节理解题。考生根据文章第三段第一句话The EP will not reduce oxygen in the room可知正确答案为A。
3．The underlined word “evenly” in Paragraph 4 probably means ________.
A．continuously B．separately
C．quickly D．equally
答案：D 词意猜测题。由文章第四段可知，此处把EP暖风机与别的相比，这种暖风机能够把墙、门、天花板 都能均匀加热，不像其他的暖风机，只加热附近小片区域，因此该词意为“均匀地，平等地”，D项正确。
4．The main purpose of the passage is to ________.
A．persuade people to buy the product
B．advise people to save on heating bills
C．report the new development of portable heaters
D．compare the functions of different heater brands
答案：A 推理判断题。A项“说服人们买产品”；B项“建议人们省加热的钱”；C项“报告暖风机的最新发展”；D项“比较不同品牌的暖风机的性能”。根据文章内容可知，本文为广告文体，向大家介绍了一种新型的暖风机，与其他的暖风机相比，它的好处，目的是让读者买他的产品，因此A项正确。
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- 3 -科普环保类阅读理解选编（5）
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
lt's a dog's life for the nation's mutts - who are becoming anxious and aggressive through lack of play， experts fear．
A study of 4，000 dog owners has found a clear link between limited playtime and behaviour problems， such as being nervous when left alone， disobedience and snapping at other animals． And while researchers can't be sure that playing less is directly to blame， they say that games provide vital intellectual stimulation and exercise． The Bristol University study showed that only one in five owners play with their dogs six times a day． Half play two or three times a day and 10 per cent have just one play session．
Mark Evans， former chief vet for the RSPCA， said that dogs are one of the few animals to play into adulthood． He told the Sunday Times： 'There is a clear association in the results． Owners report more potential behaviour problems in dogs that play less．'
Emily Blackwell -- who conducted the research uncovered tonight on Channel 4's Dogs： Their Secret Lives - said dogs often enjoy playing so much that they slow down or change strategy to make the fun last longer． The lecturer in canine（犬科动物） welfare hopes that 10，000 people will eventually fill out the survey． This will enable her to firmly establish whether lack of play is affecting dogs' moods - or if their emotional problems put their owners off spending time with them． For instance，they may slow down when playing 'chase'， allowing their owner to catch up with them and the game to continue． Favourite games include wrestling， chase and tugging at toys， and perhaps unsurprisingly，'fetch' topped the list． Tennis balls were the favourite toys， followed by soft， squeaky toys， rubber balls and rope toys．
The research comes just days after an animal charity warned that millions of dogs are becoming fat． aggressive and destructive because their owners are clueless about basic animal care．The PDSA said that treats including beer， chips and leftover takeaways are making dogs fat and unwell – and wamed that almost a million are never taken for a walk．
【小题1】If the dogs are not looked after carefully， ．
A．they may become rebelling and damaging
B．they may get hurt and run away from home
C．they may become less active and dislike playing with the owners
D．they are more likely to fight with other animals
【小题2】What is Emily Blackwell's opinion on dogs' behavior？
A．If the owners spend less time with their dogs， they may become aggressive．
B．Dogs know how to make their playing time last longer．
C．Only a few owners spend enough time playing with their dogs．
D．Some junk food or leftover may cause obesity on dogs．
【小题3】The underlined word "this" in the fourth paragraph probably refers to ．
A．canine welfare
B．Channel 4's Dogs：Their Secret Lives
C．the survey
D．favourite games
【小题4】What can we learn from the passage？
A．Researchers confirm that playing less is to blame for dogs' bad behaviours．
B．Most of the owners will play with their dogs many times in a day．
C．Chase and tennis balls are the favourites of dogs．
D．It's obvious that dogs' behaviour problems are related with their playing time．
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013皖南八校第三次联考，C)
BEIJING—China's Beijing and Shanghai cities and Guangdong Province on Sunday published plans to gradually allow migrant workers'(外来务工人员) children to enter senior high schools and sit college entrance exams locally.
They are the latest in a total of 13 provinces and municipalities(市) to formulate plans to ensure that rural children who have followed their parents to cities can enjoy the same rights as their urban peers in education.
Beijing will allow migrant workers' children to attend local vocational schools in 2013 and allow them to be matriculated by universities after graduating from the vocational programs in 2014, said a statement from the city's commission of education.
Shanghai took a step further, saying it will allow migrant children in the city to enter local senior high schools, vocational schools and sit college entrance exams (commonly known as gaokao) locally starting in 2014.
Guangdong has asked its cities to start recruiting(招收)migrant workers' children in local senior high schools in 2013. The province will allow these children to sit gaokao and compete with local residents on an equal feeting in college entrance starting in 2016, Luo said the restrictions would be relaxed gradually and “step by step” as the province must solve the conflict between its gigantic migrant population and a scarcity of education resources.
Migrant workers, whose children could be benefited by the new plans of the three regions, must have residential permits, stable jobs and incomes, and meet other local requirements, according to the plans.
China's hukou, or household registration system, used to confine children to attending schools in their home provinces. A 2003 regulation amended this by allowing migrant workers' children to receive the nine year compulsory education in cities where their parents work.
Official figures show that China has more than 250 million farmers turned workers living in cities. An estimated 20 million children have migrated with their parents to the cities.
文章大意：在北京、上海和广东的务工子女，能够就地入学或高考了。
12．What's the best title of this passage
A.China's educational reform on the way
B.Migrants' dreams come true
C.Reform plans published for migrant children's education
D.Migrants ask for equal rights in education
答案：C 主旨大意题。 这是一篇新闻报道，第一段就是新闻的主要内容。C项很好地概括了新闻的主要内容，并符合标题的特点。
13．Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage
A.Beijing，Shanghai and Guangdong took the lead in making plans for migrant children's education.
B.There are altogether 13 provinces and municipalities that have made plans for migrant children's education.
C.Beijing will allow migrant workers' children to enter the local school in 2013.
D.Migrant workers' children began to receive senior high school education in cities where their parents work in 2003.
答案：B 细节理解题。由第二段的第一句得知B正确、A错误；由第三段得知C错误；由第七段中的A 2003 regulation ...to receive the nine year compulsory education in cities where their parents work.得知D错误。
14．Which of the following words can the underlined word“confine” be replaced by
A.limit B．prevent
C．protect D．resist
答案：A 词义猜测题。根据所在句子的意思：“中国的户口过去_______了孩子们只能在他们家乡省份上学。”，并结合上下文，可知是“限制”，而不是“阻止”、“保护”或是“抵制”。
15．Which of the following statements can be inferred according to the passage
A.Guangdong will allow migrant workers' children to sit gaokao locally in 2016.
B.China's hukou is now no longer important and should be cancelled.
C.The Chinese government should continue deepening the educational reform.
D.It is likely that not all migrant workers' children can enter senior high schools or sit gaokao in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong with the new plans polished.
答案：D 推理判断题。由第六段得知：在北京、上海和广东，能够就地入学或高考的孩子的父母必须符合几个条件。言外之意：不符合条件的就不能享受这一政策。故D正确；A项为事实，而非推断；B、C文中无依据。
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·深圳市二模，D)
Expensive perfumes (香水) come in tiny bottles, but many hide a whale sized secret.
To perfect a particular smell, perfume makers often use an ingredient that comes from sperm whales, called ambergris. But using ambergris, which helps a perfume last longer, is strongly opposed by many people who think it is wrong to kill whales just so we can smell sweet. Joerg Bohlmann is neither a perfumer nor a whale expert. He's a plant biologist at the University of British Columbia in Canada. But his discovery of a new plant gene (基因) might push whales out of the perfume business.
The gene comes from fir trees, found throughout North America and commonly used as Christmas trees. The trees produce a chemical that can be used in perfume in place of ambergris—but with_a_catch.
“There's a problem that many people wouldn't consider. In the tree, the chemical is mixed with many others. That makes separation a challenge，” Bohlmann says. “It's like trying to isolate sugar from a biscuit.”
This is where science becomes useful. When Bohlmann learned that fir trees produce the ambergris like chemical, he decided to use his gene know how to find the instructions for how to make the ambergris substitute.
Bohlmann found that gene and took it out of the tree cells. Then he did something that might sound strange to someone who doesn't work in genetics: Bohlmann put the gene from the tree into yeast (酵母) cells.
Yeast may sound familiar because it's used to make things like bread, wine and beer. Biologists like to work with yeast because it easily adopts new genes and changes its features and behaviour. When Bohlmann put the fir tree gene into the yeast, the yeast started making the same chemical that had been produced by the tree.
Perfumers pay big money for ambergris because it is a fixative, which means it holds a smell in place on a person's body.
“Cheap perfumes smell good in the first hour or so and then everything is gone，” explains Bohlmann. “But expensive perfumes are much more stable. Their smell lasts much longer, for hours or even a day after you apply them.”
The new chemical, made from the tree genes, can be used as a fixative, too. And using yeast to make it is far cheaper than acquiring ambergris.
Bohlmann admits he never thought he'd get into the perfume business. But now, he says, producers have been calling to find out how to use his technology in new perfumes.
文章大意：本文是一篇科普说明文。介绍了一种使香水香味持久的物质——龙涎香，因这一物质来自于鲸，所以遭到人们的反对。科学家们发现一些树中的化学物质可以用来取代它，他们利用酵母菌成功制造出了这些化学物质。
16．It can be inferred from the passage that if a perfume contains ambergris, ________.
A．its user probably supports whale hunting
B．its smell will last for about an hour
C．there will be a whale symbol on the bottle
D．it is probably very expensive
答案：D 推理判断题。根据第二段第二句中“But using ambergris, which helps a perfume last longer...”以及倒数第三段中“But expensive perfumes are much more stable.”可知，含有龙涎香的香水价格昂贵，故D项正确；根据倒数第三段中“Their smell lasts much longer, for hours or even a day after you apply them.”可知，B项错误；根据第二段第二句中“is strongly opposed by many people who think it is wrong to kill whales...”可知，A项错误；C项文中未提及相关信息。
17．The underlined expression “with a catch” in Paragraph 3 means ________.
A．being difficult to hold
B．having a hidden problem
C．needing further testing
D．being too similar
答案：B 词义猜测题。根据第四段中“There's a problem that many people wouldn't consider.”可知，该词组意为“有隐含的问题”，故B项正确。
18．According to the passage, why are yeast cells often used in genetic research
A．They can take on the characteristics of other genes.
B．They can reproduce much faster than other cells.
C．They share some of the qualities of plant genes.
D．They're much cheaper to use than ambergris.
答案：A 细节理解题。根据第七段第二句中“it easily adopts new genes and changes its features and behaviour.”可知，由于酵母菌容易吸收其他基因，并将目的基因成功表达出来，故常被用于基因工程研究中，故A项正确。
19．What can we learn about Joerg Bohlmann from the passage
A．He is opposed to whale hunting.
B．He made his discovery during Christmas.
C．He has worked in the perfume industry for many years.
D．He has previously done genetic research.
答案：D 推理判断题。根据第二段最后一句“But his discovery of a new plant gene (基因)．.. the perfume business.”及第三段表达的语境可知，Joery Bohlmann已经意识到，这些树中某些基因所产生的化学物质可以被用于香水中以代替龙涎香，但是这些化学物质和其他物质混合在一起，难以分离，故可以断定，Joerg Bohlmann曾经做过基因研究，故D项正确。
20．What is the best title for the passage
A．The Christmas tree's secret.
B．The sweet smell of success.
C．Whale free perfume.
D．Save the whale.
答案：C 标题概括题。根据文章第一段“Expensive perfumes (香水) come in tiny bottles, but many hide a whale sized secret.”及文章最后一句中“producers have been calling to find out how to use his technology in new perfumes.”可知，本文主要介绍了在香水中使用的龙涎香，这种价格昂贵的物质，最终被树中的某种化学物质成功取代。故C项为最佳标题。
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
The Sieferts are the kind of environmentally conscious family who has solar panels atop their home. They use timers on their kids' showers and have planted drought-tolerant landscaping. But they feel kind of guilt. “I haven’t thought about the pool as much as I probably should,” said Annette Siefert.
As California's drought worsens, swimming pools have become a target for those who think the classic backyard greens waste water. Some water districts have banned new pools from being filled and have limited how much water existing pools can use.
But some of those agencies are walking back the rules as they make a surprising discovery: Pools aren't the water wasters some have made them out to be. Analyses by various water districts, along with scientific studies, conclude that pools and their surrounding landscapes use about the same amount of water as a lawn(草坪) of the same size. Over time, pools might even use less water. With pool covers, experts say water evaporation(蒸发)can be cut by almost half, making pools significantly less wasteful than grass and about as efficient as drought-tolerant landscaping.
Facing complaints over a recent ban on filling pools, the Santa Margarita Water District conducted its own water-use analysis. It found that pools require thousands of gallons of water to fill initially, but they use about 8,000 gallons less water than a traditional landscape after that. By the third year, the analysis found, the savings add up, and a pool's cumulative water use falls below that of a lawn.
Water agencies such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power have come to similar conclusions. Armed with new information, Santa Margarita Water District officials will reconsider their ban next week.
“We want to respect the people's rights to use their property. There are many families we know that have saved for pools,” said Jonathan Volzke, spokesman for the 155,000-customer district. “But at the same time, the reality around us is that we're in the third year of a serious drought, and we don't know if we're in the third year of a three-year drought or the third year of a 10-year drought.”
【小题1】Annette Siefert feels guilty mainly because of ______.
A．being a typical water waster
B．the water-use of their swimming pool
C．her control over her kids' showers at home
D．the construction of the drought-tolerant landscaping
【小题2】According to analyses and scientific studies, a swimming pool ______.
A．had belter be filled up in the beginning
B．becomes more efficient against drought
C．isn't what people think to be wasteful of water
D．consumes more water than a lawn of the same size
【小题3】What does Jonathan Volzke try to express in the last paragraph
A．He expects the serious drought to come to an end.
B．He thinks highly of those who have saved for pools.
C．He appeals for reasonable use of the swimming pools.
D．He tries to maintain the right to use the swimming pools.
【小题4】What would be the best title for the passage
A．Water Crisis In California
B．Strict Ban On Filling Pools
C．The Sieferts—Real Environmentalists
D．Pools—A Big Factor During Drought
PAGE
- 1 -科普环保类阅读理解选编（3）
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
For as long as they can remember Jynne Martin and April Surgent had both dreamed of going to Antarctica．This winter，they each made it to the icy continent as guests of the National Science Foundation(NSF)．Bm they didn’t go as scientists．Martin is a poet and Surgent is an artist．They went to Antarctica as participants．in the NSF’s Artists and Writers program．The NSF is thegovernment agency that funds scientific research in Antarctica．But it also makes it possible for artists，including filmmakers and musicians，to experience Antarctica and contribute their own points of view to our understanding of the continent.
The mixing of science and art in Antarctica isn’t new．Some of the earliest explorersbrought along painters and photographers．Edward Wilson was a British painter，doctor，and bird expert who journeyed with RobertFalcon Soott on two separate Antamtic expeditionsmore than 100 years ago．Herbert Ponting was a photographer who also accompanied Scott on one of those expeditions．In hundreds of photos，Pontingcaptured the beauty of the continentand recorded the daily lives and heroic struggles of the explorers．
Today’s scientists write articles forscientificjournals．Unlike theearly explorers’journals，scientific papers can now be very difficult for non-scientists to understand．Writers in Antarctica workto explain the research to the public．Peter Rejcek is editor，writer，and photographer for the Antarctic Sun，an onlinemagazine devoted to news about the U．S．Antarctic Program．Rejeck began his career in the Antarctic in 2003 by spending a year at the South Pole．He has returned everyyear since，interviewing，scientists about research at Palmer，McMurdo，and South Pole stations．
There are also scientists in Antarctica who work hardto explain their research to the public．Scientist Diane McKnight wrote The Lost Seal，a children’s book that explains the research she and others are doing in an unusual ice-free area in Antarctica called the Dry Valleys．
Antarctica is full of stories and wonders that are scientific，historic．and personal. People such as Martin，Surgent，Rejcek，and McKnight are devoted to bringing those storiesto asmany peopleare they can.“Some people are going to be scientists，some people are goingto be journalists，some people are going to be artists，but we can all work together，’saysSurgent,“tocelebrate，thisextraordinary place．”
【小题1】What do we know about the NSF
A．It is a government agency．
B．It only funds scientists in Antarctica．
C．It encourages the understanding of human nature．
D．It enables the mixing of science and art for the first time．
【小题2】Why didn’t some earliest explorers bring writers along
A．Writers were not funded at that time．
B．Writing can’t capture the beauty of the continent．
C．Writers were not interested in popularizing science．
D．Early explorers’journals can be easily understood by the public．
【小题3】By mentioning Diane McKnight，the author may try to suggest that_____．
A．scientists should explain their research to children
B．writers are not necessary since scientists can tell stories as well
C．telling stories to children is more important than knowing the truth
D．no matter what role we play，we can work together to appreciate Antarctica
【小题4】What would be the best title for this article
A．Antarctica：A Land for All
B．The NSF：A Program for All
C．Antarctica：A Land of Beauty and Stories
D．The NSF：A Program for Artists and Scientists
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
Australia’s koalas could be dying out within 30 years, unless urgent measures is taken to stop the losing in population, according to researchers. They say development, climate change and bushfires have all related to reduce the number of wild koalas sharply. The Australian Koala Foundation said a recent survey showed the population could have dropped by more than half in the past six years. Previous estimates put the number of koalas at more than 100,000, but the latest figures suggest there could now be as few as 43,000.
The foundation collected field data from 1,800 sites and 80,000 trees to calculate the numbers. In one area in northern Queensland estimated to have 20,000 koalas a decade ago, a team of eight people could not find a single animal in four days of searching.
The foundation said besides problems caused by cutting down forests, hotter and drier conditions because of global warming had reduced the nutritional(营养的)value of their staple food, eucalyptus leaves, leading to poor nutrition for them.
Koalas, which live in the forests in Australia’s east and south, are very particular about what types of the leaves they eat.
Foundation chief Deborah Tabart said: “The koalas are missing everywhere we look. It’s really no tree, no me. If you keep cutting down trees you don’t have any koalas.”She is hoping the new figures will persuade the government’s Threatened Species Steering Committee (TSSC) to list the koala as threatened. But committee chairman Bob Beeton said a decision was not likely recently and the koala’s status as one of the country’s favorite animals would not be a factor. “There’s a number of species which are attractive and people have special feelings towards them. We don’t consider that,” Mr. Beeton was reported as saying by the AFP agency.
【小题1】The writer gives the example of the area in northern Queensland in Paragraph 3 to show that _____.
A．the environment is being polluted seriously
B．the number of koalas is dropping quickly
C．the forests are being damaged heavily
D．koalas usually live in wild mountainous areas
【小题2】Global warming is an important cause of koalas’ reduction because _____.
A．the leaves koalas eat are losing nutritional value
B．koalas cannot get enough water to drink
C．koalas can hardly stand the hot weather
D．the leaves koalas eat cannot grow in hot weather
【小题3】According to Bob Beeton, _____.
A．they needn’t pay special attention to koalas
B．a decision will be made to protect koalas
C．koalas are his favorite animals
D．koalas needn’t be protected at all
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·山东，D)
Sparrow is a fast food chain with 200 restaurants. Some years ago, the group to which Sparrow belonged was taken over by another company. Although Sparrow showed no sigh of declining, the chain was generally in an unhealthy state. With more and more fast food concepts reaching the market, the Sparrow menu had to struggle for attention. And to make matters worse, its new owner had no plans to give it the funds it required.
Sparrow failed to grow for another two years, until a new CEO, Carl Pearson decided to build up its market share. He did a survey, which showed that consumers who already used Sparrow restaurants were extremely positive about the chain, while customers of other fast food chains were unwilling to turn away from them. Sparrow had to develop a new promotional campaign.
Pearson faced a battle over the future of the Sparrow brand. The chain's owner now favored rebranding Sparrow as Marcy's restaurants. Pearson resisted, arguing for an advertising campaign designed to convince customers that visits to Sparrow restaurants were fun. Such an attempt to establish a positive relationship between a company and the general public was unusual for that time. Pearson strongly believed that numbers were the key to success, rather than customer's spending power. Finally, the owner accepted his idea.
The campaign itself changed the traditional advertising style of the fast food industry. The TV ads of Sparrow focused on entertainment and featured original songs performed by a variety of stars. Instead of showing the superiority of a specific product, the intention was to put Sparrow in the hearts of potential customers.
Pearson also made other decisions which he believed would contribute to the new sparrow image. For example, he offered to lower the rent of any restaurants which achieved a certain increase in their turnover (营业额)．
These efforts paid off, and Sparrow soon became one of the most successful fast food chains in the regions where it operated.
文章大意：本文是一篇记叙文，描述了Sparrow迅速成为了经营地区最成功的快餐连锁店的整个过程。
16．Which was one of the problems Sparrow faced before Pearson became CEO
A．The number of its customers was declining.
B．Its customers found the food unhealthy.
C．It was in need of financial support.
D．Most of its restaurants were closed.
答案：C 细节理解题。从第一段的最后一句“its new owner had no plans to give it the funds it required.”可知Sparrow缺乏的是资金。
17．What does the underlined word “them” in Paragraph 2 refer to
A．Customers of Sparrow restaurants.
B．Sparrow restaurants.
C．Customers of other fast food chains.
D．Other fast food chains.
答案：D 词义猜测题。我们从画线词所在句“while customers of other fast food chains were unwilling to turn away from them.”可知，这里的while表示对比，其他快餐店中的顾客不愿意离开，这里是指从其他的快餐店离开，故选D。
18．For what purpose did Pearson start the advertising campaign
A．To build a good relationship with the public.
B．To stress the unusual tradition of Sparrow.
C．To learn about customers' spending power.
D．To meet the challenge from Marcy's restaurants.
答案：A 细节理解题。从文章第三段的“arguing for an advertising campaign designed to convince customers that visits to Sparrow restaurants were fun”中可知，这场战役的目的是让Sparrow餐厅与大众搞好关系，故选A。
19．The TV ads of Sparrow ________.
A．changed people's views on pop stars
B．amused the public with original songs
C．focused on the superiority of its products
D．influenced the eating habits of the audience
答案：B 细节理解题。从文章第四段的“the TV ads of Sparrow focused on entertainment and featured original songs performed by a variety of stars. Instead of showing the superiority of a specific product, the intention was to put Sparrow in the hearts of potential customers.”可知，广告歌曲为原创且目的是和大众搞好关系，故选B。
20．What was Pearson's achievement as a CEO
A．He managed to pay off Sparrow's debts.
B．He made Sparrow much more competitive.
C．He helped Sparrow take over a company.
D．He improved the welfare of Sparrow employees.
答案：B 细节理解题。从文章最后一段的“These efforts paid off, and Sparrow soon became one of the most successful fast food chains in the regions where it operated.”可知，Pearson的努力获得了回报，使得餐厅业绩上升，变得更有竞争力，故选B。
题型2 高考模拟题组
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·西城区二模，A)
Hi, I'm Michael J. Lindell, Inventor, Manufacturer, and President of My Pillow Corporation. Years ago, like you, I found myself extremely frustrated with my pillow going flat. Most pillows are designed to break down. I would wake up in the morning with a sore arm, my neck would hurt, my fingers would be numb, and I would toss and turn all night not knowing why. I tried many different pillows on the market and none of them worked. So, I started to research pillows and study sleep disorders. I was determined to create the world's healthiest, most comfortable, and strongest pillow. My Pillow uses our unique, patented medical fill that stays cool, corresponds to your exact individual needs regardless of sleep position, and stays healthy for your full 10 year guarantee. It is non allergic, and you can wash and dry it as easily as your favorite jeans.
My Pillow is not available in stores. I have spent the last seven years selling My Pillow face to face at fairs, expos and events. Hundreds of experts and medical doctors carry and recommend them for their patients. I have been featured on medical talk shows that air around the world. I have sold hundreds of thousands of pillows and have received great gratitude from satisfied customers regarding how My Pillow has changed their lives and provided a more comfortable, restful sleep.
And, My Pillow comes in different sizes and is fit for your size and sleeping pattern. So you can be assured that you will have the most comfortable pillow for you.
I truly believe it is the best pillow in the world and that if everyone had one and got better sleep, the world would be a much nicer place.
文章大意：本文是一篇说明文。作者介绍了自己研发的枕头My Pillow。这种枕头使用独特的获得专利的药品当作填充物，能够保持凉爽，该枕头有各种尺寸，适合各种睡姿，另外，也可以随便拆洗烘干。My Pillow有着很好的销路，同时也获得了购买者的一致好评。
1．What makes My Pillow unique
A．It is easily washed and dried.
B．It suits your sleeping position.
C．It contains special cooling medicine.
D．It helps you stay healthy for 10 years.
答案：C 细节理解题。根据文章第一段倒数第二句“My Pillow uses our unique, patented medical fill that stays cool... of sleep position”可知，这种枕头使用独特的、获得专利的药品当作填充物，从而能够保持凉爽。故答案选C。
2．Where can people probably buy My Pillow
A．At fairs. B．In stores.
C．In markets. D．On the Internet.
答案：A 细节理解题。根据文章第二段第二句“I have spent... at fairs, expos and events.”可知，答案选A。
3．What is the author's purpose in writing this article
A．To introduce a comfortable pillow.
B．To encourage people to buy My Pillow.
C．To give some advice on sleeping problems.
D．To tell us how to select a comfortable pillow.
答案：B 写作意图题。通读全文可知，本文介绍了作者自己研发的枕头的特别之处以及功效，还有购买者的反馈，说明作者在鼓励人们购买这种枕头。故答案选B。
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- 1 -科普环保类阅读理解选编（4）
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
Learning English well is a great challenge, but with the help from technology（技术） it can be as easy as a piece of cake.
As well as the classroom, teachers and textbooks, the Internet, TV and radio programs can play an active role in helping learn English. The Internet is full of rich and up-to-date information. English learners might wish to try http://. It provides cultural information about Britain.
Another useful website for middle school students and teachers is: Besides reading 21st Century School Edition online, students are also invited to put their views on different topics up on the website.
Compared with the Internet, TV programs have their own advantages（优点）: one does not have to sit at a computer and one can hear and watch the programs much better.
One popular English-learning program is called "Modern English". This focuses on spoken English in practical situations such as taking photos and shopping.
If you watch Beijing Television Channel 8, you might see a program titled "Study Abroad". Cartoons are used to explain how to use the word in daily life. Listening to the radio may not be a new way to learn English but it is easy.
China Radio International airs a program called "Studio Classroom" at 6:30 a.m. every day. This 25-minute program is aimed at middle school students and covers subjects from current news to travel and history, all in simple language.
【小题1】The author wants the readers to know that learning English __________.
A．is very difficult for us
B．is very easy for us
C．is neither easy nor difficult
D．can be much easier with the help of technology
【小题2】 One can practise spoken English in everyday situations in ___________.
A．Studio Classroom B．21st Century School Edition
C．Study Abroad D．Modern English
【小题3】According to the author, TV programs are better than programs on the Internet because they __________.
A．can let you hear and watch the programs much better
B．cost you nothing
C．have more English passages
D．have English courses whenever you need them
【小题4】 What’s the main idea of this passage
A．It introduces some websites of learning English
B．It introduces some TV and radio programs of learning English
C．It gives suggestions on learning English in modern ways
D．It explains different English courses
2016高考英语阅读练习——科普环保类
Energy independence． It has a nice ring to it． Doesn't it？ If you think so， you're not alone，because energy independence has been the dream of American president for decades， and never more so than in the past few years， when the most recent oil price shock has been partly responsible for kicking off the great recession（经济衰退）．
"Energy independence"and its rhetorical（修辞的） companion"energy security"are， however，slippery concepts that are rarely though through． What is it we want independence from， exactly？
Most people would probably say that they want to be independent from imported oil．But there are reasons that we buy all that old from elsewhere．
The first reason is that we need it to keep our economy running． Yes， there is a trickle（涓涓细流）of biofuel（生物燃料）available， and more may become available， but most biofuels cause economic waste and environmental destruction．
Second， Americans have basically decided that they don't really want to produce all their own oil． They value the environmental quality they preserve over their oil imports from abroad． Vast areas of the United States are off-limits to oil exploration and production in the name of environmental protection． To what extent are Americans really willing to endure the environmental impacts of domestic energy production in order to cut back imports？
Third， there are benefits to trade． It allows for economic efficiency， and when we buy things from places that have lower production costs than we do， we benefit． And although you don't read about this much， the United States is also a large exporter of oil products， selling about 2 million barrels of petroleum products per day to about 90 countries．
There is no question that the United States imports a great deal of energy and， in fact， relies on that steady flow to maintain ite economy． When that flow is interrupted， we feel the pain in short supplies and higher prices． At the same time， we derive massive economic benefits when we buy the most affordable energy on the world market and when we engage in energy trade around the world．
【小题1】From the passage， we know that biofuels ．
A．keep America's economy running healthily
B．prove to be a good alternative to petroleum
C．do not provide a sustainable energy supply
D．cause serious damage to the environment
【小题2】Why does America rely heavily on oil imports？
A．Its own oil production falls short of demand．
B．Its own oil reserves are quickly running out．
C．It wants to keep Its own environment undamaged．
D．It wants to expand its storage of crude oil．
【小题3】What can we conclude from the last paragraph？
A．America doesn't have enough oil supplies．
B．People can benefit more from importing oil．
C．Energy independence is significant for Americans．
D．Short of energy may cause economic depression．
【小题4】What is the author's purpose in writing the passage？
A．To justify America's dependence on oil imports．
B．To stress the importance of energy conservation．
C．To arouse Americans' awareness of the energy crisis．
D．To explain the increase of international oil trade．
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·苏锡常镇二调，B)
I began writing poems fifteen years ago while I was in college. One day I was in the library, working on a term paper, when I came across a book of contemporary poetry. I don't remember the title of the book or any of the titles of the poems except one：“Frankenstein's Daughter.” The poem was wild, almost rude, and nothing like the rhyme and meter poetry I had read in high school. I had always thought that poetry was flowery writing about sunsets and walks on the beach, but that library book contained direct and sometimes shocking poetry about dogs, junked cars, rundown houses, and TVs. I checked the book out, curious to read more.
Soon afterward, I started filling a notebook with my own poems. At first I was scared, partly because my poetry teacher, to whom this book is written for, was a serious and strict man who could see the errors in my poems. Also, I realized the seriousness of my devotion. I gave up geography to study poetry, which a good many friends said offered no future. I ignored them because I liked working with words, using them to reconstruct the past, which has always been a source of poetry for me.
When I first studied poetry, I was single minded. I woke to poetry and went to bed with poetry. I memorized poems, read English poets because I was told they would help shape my poems, and read classical Chinese poetry because I was told that it would add clarity to my work. But I was most taken by the Spanish and Latin American poets, particularly Pablo Neruda. My favorites of his were the odes—long, short lined poems celebrating common things like tomatoes, socks and scissors. I felt joyful when I read these odes, and when I began to write my own poems, I tried to remain faithful to the common things of my childhood—dogs, alleys (小巷), my baseball mitt (手套) and the fruit of the valley, especially the orange. I wanted to give these things life, to write so well that my poems would express their beauty.
I also admired our own country's poetry. I saw that our poets often wrote about places where they grew up or places that impressed them deeply. James Wright wrote about Ohio and West Virginia, Philip Levine about Detroit, Gary Snyder about the Sierra Nevadas and about Japan, where for years he studied Zen Buddhism (禅宗佛教). I decided to write about the San Joaquin Valley, where my hometown, Fresno, is located. Some of my poems are absolute observations and images of nature—the orange yards, the Kings River, the Sequoias (红杉). I fell in love with the valley, both its ugliness and its beauty, and quietly wrote poems about it to share with others.
文章大意：这是一篇记叙文。文章主要讲述了作者写诗的经历。
4．What does the passage mainly talk about
A．The author's experiences with poetry.
B．The author's method of writing poetry.
C．The author's appreciation of poetry.
D．The author's interest in studying poetry.
答案：A 主旨大意题。通读全文可知，文章主要讲述了作者写诗的经历。故答案选A。
5．From the first paragraph, we can learn that ________.
A．“Frankenstein's Daughter” was a flowery poetry
B．the author was able to memorize most poems he read
C．the author began to get in contact with poetry of different styles
D．the author was curious to read more of rhyme and meter poetry
答案：C 细节理解题。根据文章第一段倒数第二句中的“that library book contained direct and sometimes shocking poetry about...”可知，作者开始接触到不同类型的诗歌。C项与文章内容相符。故答案选C。
6．Which of the following would the author most probably write about in his poem
A．Moving love stories in history.
B．Observations of classical poems.
C．True feelings of human friendship.
D．Appreciation of wild valley flowers.
答案：D 推理判断题。根据文章最后一段尤其是最后一句中的“I fell in love with the valley”并结合全文可知，作者在他的诗中最有可能表达对野山谷花的喜爱。故答案选D。
7．Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage
A．The author's friends all encouraged him to give up geography to poetry.
B．The author became devoted to poetry because of his teacher's strictness.
C．The author loved to find sources of poetry from nature and from the past.
D．Spanish and Latin American poems influenced the author as much as Chinese ones.
答案：C 推理判断题。根据文章第二段最后一句中的“using them to reconstruct the past... a source of poetry for me”并结合文章最后三段可知，作者擅长在过去和自然中寻找写诗的资源。故答案选C。
阅读下列短文, 从给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中, 选出最佳选项。
(2013·东北三省四市第二次联考，C)
Eco City Farms are becoming more popular in cities and towns around the United States.
Eco City Farms in Edmonston, Maryland, is located near shopping centers, car repair shops and homes. The neighborhood is a working class community. People do not have very much money, and they have limited access to fresh food in markets.
Over the past two years, the farm has attracted volunteers from the community like Marcy Clark. She schools her four children at home. On a recent day she brought them to Eco City Farms for a lesson. Her son Alston Clark thinks his experience is very valuable. “I like coming out here，” he says, “You know, you connect with the earth, where your food comes from. You appreciate the food a little bit more.”
Margaret Morgan started Eco City Farms. She thinks of it as a place where people can learn to live healthier lives. “Growing food in a community brings people together，” she continues, “Every piece of what we do here is a demonstration to show people everything about how to have an eco friendly community.” she says. From the Eco City Farms people come to know that they are not only growing food and raising chickens and bees, but improving the soil with compost (肥料) made from food waste.
Eco City Farms is an experimental operation. The farm gets its power not from the local electricity networks, but from the sun with solar panels. In winter, the green houses use a geothermal (地热) system.
Vegetables can be grown all year. So once a week, all winter long, neighbors like Chris Moss and her three children bike to the farm to pick up a share of the harvest.
“I like eating the vegetables，” says five year old Owen Moss.
文章大意：本文是一篇报道。文章介绍了美国各地日益流行的生态城市农场(Eco City Farms)。它不但可以带动生态社区，引领人们过上绿色健康的生活，更成为人们了解地球、了解食物的好去处。
8．What is mainly talked about in the passage
A．Eco City Farms save a lot of energy.
B．Eco City Farms are gaining popularity.
C．Eco City Farms are influencing community life.
D．Eco City Farms helps the working class live better.
答案：B 主旨大意题。通读全文特别是文章首段可知，本文就“‘生态城市农场’在美国各地日益流行”进行了相关介绍。故答案选B。
9．According to the passage, Eco City Farms are close to the following places EXCEPT ________.
A．shopping centers
B．car repair shops
C．fast food restaurants
D．working class community
答案：C 细节理解题。根据第二段第一、二句“... is located near shopping centers, car repair shops and homes. The neighborhood is a working class community.”可知，答案选C。
10．What is the author's attitude toward Eco City Farms
A．Enthusiastic. B．Disappointed.
C．Surprised. D．Doubtful.
答案：A 观点态度题。根据第三、四段所使用的语言“the farm has attracted volunteers... I like coming out here...”“brings people together... From the Eco City Farms people come to know...”可知，作者对生态城市农场持积极乐观态度，对其很感兴趣。C项文中并未提到，B、D两项不符合文义。故答案选A。
11．In which column of a newspaper can you most probably read this article
A．People. B．Travel.
C．Environment. D．Education.
答案：C 推理判断题。根据文章的主旨大意可知，“生态城市农场”并不是一个旅游项目，其目的也并不是教育人，文章并未以人为中心进行介绍，故可排除A、B、D三项。根据第三段倒数第二句中的“connect with the earth”，第四段最后一句中的“improving the soil with compost (肥料) made from food waste”及第五段中的“from the sun with solar panels. In winter, the green houses use a geothermal (地热) system”可推知，本文应来源自报纸的“环境”专栏。故答案选C。
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