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Unit 4 Natural disasters阅读理解精练
目录
精练篇
Passage 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
基础篇
Passage 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Passage 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Passage 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
拔高篇
Passage 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Passage 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Passage 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Passage 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Passage 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
精练篇
Passage 1
难度
Animal appear to predict earthquakes by sensing electricity in the air — the first study to find reliable evidence of the phenomenon has shown.
Cameras revealed an “amazing” drop in the number of animals up to 23 days before a major quake hit their rainforest home at Yanachaga National Park in Peru. Lead scientist Dr Rachel Grant, from Anglia Ruskin University, said, “The results showed that just before the earthquake, animals’ activity dropped right down.”
On a normal day the cameras placed around Yanachaga National Park record between 5 and 15 animals. But in the 23 days before the earthquake, the number of animals dropped to five or fewer per day. No animals were photographed at all on five of the seven days immediately before the quake.
Another study showed that animal activity remained normal in the park over a different period when seismic (地震的) activity was low. Co-author, professor Friedemann Freund, said, “The cameras were located at an altitude of 900 meters. If air ionization occurred, the animals would escape to the valley below, where there were fewer positive ions ( 离子). With their ability to sense their environment, animals can help us understand small changes that occur before major earthquakes.”
Other evidence suggested that before the earthquake, the air around the high mountain sites was filled with positive ions that can be produced when rocks are placed under stress. Positive ions have been known to cause ill effects in humans as well as animals. Scientists believe the animals were made to feel uncomfortable by the positive ions, leading them to avoid the area. They are thought to have escaped to lower ground, where the air was less ionized. The findings may help experts develop better short-term seismic forecasts.
1．How did scientists conduct the study
A．By comparing different animals’ habits.
B．By observing animals in high mountains.
C．By explaining the positive ion phenomenon.
D．By analyzing images of animals they obtained.
2．What can be inferred from animal activity before earthquakes
A．The ground at a lower altitude is less ionized.
B．Cameras normally record more animals per day.
C．Earthquake warnings can be detected in lower places.
D．The activity of animals and earthquakes is consistent.
3．What can we learn from the text
A．The findings make for accurate seismic forecast.
B．Animals tend to be uneasy with more positive ions.
C．Positive ions make humans and animals depressed.
D．All the animals remain abnormal before the earthquake.
4．What can be a suitable title for the text
A．Negative Influence of Positive Ions.
B．Ions’ Destruction to the Environment.
C．Animals’ Behavior Before Earthquakes.
D．Creatures’ Ability to Predict Earthquakes.
答案解析
1.答案：D
解析：文章多次提到 “Cameras revealed...”“the cameras placed around Yanachaga National Park record... ”“No animals were photographed... ”，这些都表明科学家是通过分析相机拍摄到的动物影像来进行研究的。A 选项 “比较不同动物的习性”、B 选项 “观察高山上的动物”、C 选项 “解释正离子现象” 均未在文中作为研究方法提及，所以选 D。
2.答案：A
解析：根据 “Scientists believe the animals... leading them to avoid the area. They are thought to have escaped to lower ground, where the air was less ionized.” 可推断出低海拔地区的空气电离程度较低，A 选项正确。B 选项 “相机通常每天记录更多动物” 是文中明确陈述的事实，并非推断；C 选项 “地震预警能在低处被检测到” 文中未提及；D 选项 “动物活动与地震一致” 过于绝对，文中只是说动物活动在地震前有变化，并非完全一致，所以选 A。
3.答案：B
解析：文中提到 “Positive ions have been known to cause ill effects in humans as well as animals. Scientists believe the animals were made to feel uncomfortable by the positive ions”，说明动物在正离子较多时会感到不适，B 选项正确。A 选项 “研究结果有助于准确的地震预报”，文中说的是 “may help experts develop better short-term seismic forecasts”，并非 “准确的”；C 选项 “正离子使人类和动物抑郁”，文中是 “cause ill effects”，范围大于 “抑郁”；D 选项 “所有动物在地震前都表现异常”，“所有” 过于绝对，文中未提及，所以选 B。
4.答案：D
解析：文章围绕动物能通过感知环境变化（如空气中的电、正离子等）预测地震这一内容展开，A 选项 “正离子的负面影响”、B 选项 “离子对环境的破坏” 均偏离主题；C 选项 “地震前动物的行为” 只是文章的一部分内容，未体现 “预测地震” 这一核心；D 选项 “生物预测地震的能力” 能概括全文主旨，所以选 D。
词组总结
reliable evidence（可靠证据）
major quake（大地震）
rainforest home（雨林栖息地）
animal activity（动物活动）
seismic activity（地震活动）
air ionization（空气电离）
positive ions（正离子）
sense the environment（感知环境）
ill effects（不良影响）
lower ground（地势较低的地方）
short-term seismic forecasts（短期地震预报）
句式总结
1.“... appear to... — the first study to find... has shown.”（…… 似乎……—— 首个发现…… 的研究表明。）
例句：Animal appear to predict earthquakes by sensing electricity in the air — the first study to find reliable evidence of the phenomenon has shown.
2.“Cameras revealed an ‘amazing’ drop in... up to... before a major quake hit...”（相机显示，在…… 大地震发生前长达…… 时间里，…… 出现了 “惊人的” 下降。）
例句：Cameras revealed an “amazing” drop in the number of animals up to 23 days before a major quake hit their rainforest home at Yanachaga National Park in Peru.
3.“On a normal day... But in... before the earthquake, ... dropped to...”（在正常日子里…… 但在地震前……，…… 下降到……。）
例句：On a normal day the cameras placed around Yanachaga National Park record between 5 and 15 animals. But in the 23 days before the earthquake, the number of animals dropped to five or fewer per day.
4.“With their ability to..., animals can help us understand... that occur before...”（凭借…… 的能力，动物能帮助我们了解在…… 之前发生的……。）
例句：With their ability to sense their environment, animals can help us understand small changes that occur before major earthquakes.
5.“Other evidence suggested that... Positive ions that can be produced when...”（其他证据表明…… 当…… 时可能产生的正离子……。）
例句：Other evidence suggested that before the earthquake, the air around the high mountain sites was filled with positive ions that can be produced when rocks are placed under stress.
翻译题（巩固词组和句式）
1.研究表明，动物能够通过感知环境中的微小变化来预测大地震。
2.相机记录显示，在地震发生前的 20 天里，该地区的动物数量急剧下降。
3.正离子会对动植物产生不良影响，这一现象已被多项研究证实。
4.凭借敏锐的感知能力，许多生物能在自然灾害发生前做出反应。
5.这些研究结果可能有助于专家开发更有效的短期地震预报系统。
翻译题答案解析
1.参考译文：Studies have shown that animals can predict major earthquakes by sensing small changes in the environment.
解析：“研究表明” 翻译为 “Studies have shown that”，符合英语中常用的科研结果表述方式；“预测大地震” 对应 “predict major earthquakes”，准确使用 “major” 修饰 “earthquakes”，体现地震的强度；“通过感知环境中的微小变化” 译为 “by sensing small changes in the environment”，“by” 引出方式状语，“sensing” 与 “small changes”“environment” 搭配恰当，符合题目考查要点。
2.参考译文：Camera records show that the number of animals in this area dropped sharply in the 20 days before the earthquake occurred.
解析：“相机记录显示” 译为 “Camera records show that”，“records” 用复数形式，符合实际语境；“该地区的动物数量急剧下降” 翻译为 “the number of animals in this area dropped sharply”，“drop in the number of” 准确体现数量下降，“sharply” 强调下降的幅度；“在地震发生前的 20 天里” 译为 “in the 20 days before the earthquake occurred”，时间状语的表达符合英语习惯，涵盖了题目考查的核心词组。
3.参考译文：The phenomenon that positive ions have ill effects on plants and animals has been confirmed by many studies.
解析：“正离子会对动植物产生不良影响” 处理为 “that positive ions have ill effects on plants and animals”，作为 “phenomenon” 的同位语从句，结构清晰；“这一现象已被多项研究证实” 译为 “The phenomenon... has been confirmed by many studies”，“be confirmed by” 准确表达被动含义，且包含了题目要求考查的 “positive ions”“ill effects” 等重点词汇。
4.参考译文：With sharp sense ability, many creatures can respond before natural disasters occur.
解析：“凭借敏锐的感知能力” 译为 “With sharp sense ability”，“with... ability” 结构符合题目考查要求；“许多生物能在自然灾害发生前做出反应” 翻译为 “many creatures can respond before natural disasters occur”，“sense ability”“natural disasters” 等词汇准确对应，句子逻辑连贯。
5.参考译文：These research findings may help experts develop more effective short-term seismic forecast systems.
解析：“这些研究结果” 译为 “These research findings”；“可能有助于专家开发” 译为 “may help experts develop”；“更有效的短期地震预报系统” 译为 “more effective short-term seismic forecast systems”，准确涵盖了 “research findings”“help... develop”“short-term seismic forecasts” 等考查点，符合英语表达习惯。
基础篇
Passage 1
难度
Thousands of people have been killed in an earthquake in Japan. The quake -- the biggest one to happen in Japan --caused massive (大量的) damage and many people are missing and feared dead.
The 8.9 magnitude quake struck Friday (March 11) off Japan's eastern coast, and caused tsunami across the Pacific as far away as South America and the U.S. West Coast. Several days after a 8.9-magnitude earthquake and resulting 10-meter-high tsunami damaged the coastline. The United States Geological Survey (美国地质调查所) says it was the fifth largest earthquake since 1900. The largest, with a 9.5 magnitude, shook Chile in 1960.
In Japan, the tsunami swept away boats, cars and hundreds of houses in coastal areas north of Tokyo. The quake shook buildings in the Japanese capital and caused several fires. All train and subway traffic in Tokyo has been stopped, and thousands of people there were unable to get back home. People are just trying to find clean water. Food supplies are running out. In the convenience stores, there are no rice balls left. There is no bottled water left. People are facing a really serious situation in the days ahead for these people that are living in areas that were only common damaged. The final death rate could range from the thousands to tens of thousands, depending on how many of these communities are gone.
Japanese Prime Minister (首相) Naoto Kan said the government would do everything it can to reduce the effects of the disaster.
1．According to the passage, which earthquake is the largest one since 1900
A．the one happened in Japan on March 11, 2011
B．the one in Chile in 1960
C．the fifth largest earthquake since 1900
D．We don't know.
2．Which is true according to the passage
A．Thousands of people have been killed in a massive earthquake in Japan.
B．Only people in areas are facing a really serious situation in the days.
C．The earthquake damaged not only in Japan's western coast, but also in South America and the U.S West Coast.
D．The tsunami caused the massive earthquake.
3．If you're in Tokyo these days, what you can't get from the convenience store
A．newspapers and magazines B．some medicine
C．paper napkins and toothpastes D．rice balls and bottled water
4．where is the passage come from
A．Text book B．scientific research
C．travel brochure D．newspaper
答案解析
1.答案：B
解析：文中明确说 “The largest, with a 9.5 magnitude, shook Chile in 1960.”，可知 1960 年智利的地震是 1900 年以来最大的，所以选 B。
重点词汇：magnitude（震级）；shake（震动）
2.答案：A
解析：A 选项与文章首句 “Thousands of people have been killed in an earthquake in Japan.” 一致；B 选项 “only” 表述错误，文中说 “People are facing a really serious situation in the days ahead for these people that are living in areas that were only common damaged.”，并非只有这些地区的人面临困境；C 选项中地震发生在日本东海岸，海啸影响到南美和美国西海岸，并非地震直接破坏，所以错误；D 选项因果倒置，是地震引发了海啸，所以选 A。
重点词汇：massive（巨大的）；damage（破坏）
3.答案：D
解析：根据 “In the convenience stores, there are no rice balls left. There is no bottled water left.” 可知，在东京的便利店买不到饭团和瓶装水，所以选 D。
重点词汇：convenience store（便利店）；rice balls（饭团）
4.答案：D
解析：文章是对日本地震及影响的即时报道，符合报纸的特点，所以选 D。
重点词汇：newspaper（报纸）；report（报道）
重点词组和句式总结：
result in（导致）；
run out（耗尽）；
be famous for（因…… 著名）；
take place（发生）
“The... earthquake caused massive damage and many people are missing and feared dead.”（…… 地震造成了巨大破坏，许多人失踪，恐怕已死亡。）：
The quake -- the biggest one to happen in Japan --caused massive damage and many people are missing and feared dead.
“It is estimated that...”（据估计……）：
It was estimated that the closure cost the economy $1 million per day.
Passage 2
难度
International Shake Out Day This Year
This year’s International Shake Out Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will take part in earthquake drills (演习) at work, school, or home! It is a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.
At 10:17 am (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world in practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage everyone to take part, you can sign up for your Shake Out drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in different locations through videos.
FIND YOUR REGION
Most participants (参与者) are in one of the official Shake Out Regions listed below the page (with current sign-up totals). People and organizations in other countries can also sign up.
· All regions take part in it on October 17, 2024, unless specified.
(As of Today)
Global Totals
US Totals
Oct.17, 2024 Drills
Over 270,000
Over 260,000
All 2024 Drills
Over 1.10 million
Over 950,000
All 2023 Drills
Over 57.3 million
Over 19.3 million
Shake Out began in California and has also been organized in many other states and countries. Official Shake Out Regions require special local or regional cooperation, typically by an emergency (紧急情况) management agency or a union of many organizations. If you are interested in establishing Shake Out for your region, please contact us at https://www.shakeout.org. If your state, province, or country is not yet taking part, you can sign up for yourself or your organization as part of the global participation total.
5．What is the purpose of the activity
A．To raise people’s safety awareness.
B．To stress the challenges of earthquakes.
C．To help people get ready for an earthquake.
D．To warn people of the danger of earthquakes.
6．How many people worldwide took part in the drills in 2023
A．Over 270,000. B．Over 950,000.
C．Over 57.3 million. D．Over 19.3 million.
7．Where is the text from
A．A website. B．A book review.
C．A guidebook. D．A diary entry.
答案解析
5. 答案：C
解析：文章开头提到 “It is a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.”，说明该活动的目的是帮助人们为地震做好准备，所以选 C。
重点词汇：prepare（准备）；survive（幸存）
6.答案：C
解析：表格中明确给出 “All 2023 Drills” 对应的全球参与人数是 “Over 57.3 million”，所以选 C。
重点词汇：participate（参与）；drill（演习）
7.答案：A
解析：文中最后提到 “If you are interested in establishing Shake Out for your region, please contact us at https://www.shakeout.org.”，包含网站链接，由此可判断文本来自网站，所以选 A。
重点词汇：website（网站）；contact（联系）
重点词组及句式总结：
take part in（参加）；
sign up（报名）；
at a time of one's choice（在某人选择的时间）；
emergency management（应急管理）
“This year’s... is... when millions of people worldwide will take part in...!”（今年的…… 是在……，届时全球数百万人将参加……！）：
This year’s International Shake Out Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will take part in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
“While we encourage everyone to..., you can... and...!”（虽然我们鼓励每个人……，但你可以…… 并且……！）：
While we encourage everyone to take part, you can sign up for your Shake Out drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice.
Passage 3
难度
A woman in a cap wanders calmly along. Except for the lava (熔岩) erupting behind her, she could be walking in the park. The woman turns to watch the molten rock flow for a moment then walks calmly toward the camera. The footage (镜头) is from Werner Herzog’s book to volcanoes and volcano hunters, Into the Inferno, and the woman pictured is perhaps one of the most important volcanologists of all time, Katia Krafft.
Born in France, in 1942, Katia developed an interest in volcanoes at an early age. Later, she met Maurice Krafft. The pair bonded over their shared love of volcanoes before marrying in 1970. The Kraffts wrote about 20 books on volcanoes across the globe.
Katia and her husband made great progress in educating the general public in volcanology. Their footage had more than scientific value. For instance, when Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines began to show signs of an eruption in 1991, the Kraffts were able to present Philippine President Cory Aquino with video footage of the effects of the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, asking him to call for an evacuation of those in the danger zone.
In 1969, Katia was awarded the prize of the Vocation Foundation for her work on active volcanic sites.
The couple lost their lives, along with more than 40 others during the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan on June 3.1991. when they were caught in a flow of rock, gas and ash moving at speeds of over 100 miles per hour, with temperatures of more than 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Katia was 49; Maurice, 45.
Katia’s impact on volcanology has reached far beyond her death and has encouraged many young women to study our restless planet. “Katia Krafft is definitely the reason why I’m doing this job,” says Carla Tiraboschi, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minster, Germany. Carla first saw Katia in a documentary when she was just six or seven years old and has been crazy about volcanoes ever since.
8．What can we infer from the book Into the Inferno
A．Its author is Katia Krafft.
B．It’s a biography of Katia Krafft.
C．It calls on protecting the environment.
D．It focuses on volcanoes and their explorers.
9．What do we know about the couple
A．They prevented a natural disaster.
B．They served as a warning in Japan.
C．They helped spread volcano science.
D．They covered Mount Pinatubo’s eruption.
10. Which can replace the underlined word “evacuation” in paragraph 3
A．Substance. B．Departure. C．Occupation. D．Intervention.
11. How did Katia influence Carla Tiraboschi
A．Katia’s death made her restless.
B．Katia helped her with her research.
C．Katia taught her to make a documentary.
D．Katia’s deeds inspired her career choice.
答案解析
8. 答案：D
解析：文中说 “The footage is from Werner Herzog’s book to volcanoes and volcano hunters, Into the Inferno, and the woman pictured is perhaps one of the most important volcanologists of all time, Katia Krafft.”，可知这本书聚焦于火山及其探索者，所以选 D。
重点词汇：volcano（火山）；explorer（探索者）
答案：C
解析：根据 “Katia and her husband made great progress in educating the general public in volcanology. Their footage had more than scientific value.” 可知，这对夫妇在传播火山科学知识方面做出了贡献，所以选 C。
重点词汇：spread（传播）；volcanology（火山学）
答案：B
解析：结合语境，“asking him to call for an evacuation of those in the danger zone” 指的是呼吁危险区域的人们撤离，“evacuation” 与 “departure” 意思相近，所以选 B。
重点词汇：evacuation（撤离）；departure（离开）
答案：D
解析：文中提到 “Katia’s impact on volcanology has reached far beyond her death and has encouraged many young women to study our restless planet. 'Katia Krafft is definitely the reason why I’m doing this job,' says Carla Tiraboschi”，可知卡蒂娅的事迹激励了卡拉选择相关职业，所以选 D。
重点词汇：inspire（激励）；career（职业）
重点词组及句式总结：
bond over（因…… 建立联系）；
make progress（取得进步）；
call for（呼吁）；
lose one's life（丧生）；
have an impact on（对…… 有影响）
“Born in..., in..., ... developed an interest in... at an early age.”（…… 于…… 年出生在……，早年就对…… 产生了兴趣。）：
Born in France, in 1942, Katia developed an interest in volcanoes at an early age.
“... is definitely the reason why...”（…… 无疑是…… 的原因）：
Katia Krafft is definitely the reason why I’m doing this job.
拔高篇
Passage 1
难度
New research shows that the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure stretch well beyond the smoky days themselves, contributing to nearly 16,000 deaths each year across the U.S., according to a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) analysis released in April. The analysis warns that number could grow to nearly 30,000 deaths each year by the middle of the century.
Wildfire smoke is rarely listed as a cause of death on people’s death certificates. But research has shown that tiny particles present in smoke worsen many different health problems. These particles penetrate (渗透) deep into people’s lungs and can cross into the bloodstream or even into the brain. Repeated exposures, or high-concentration exposures, can worsen other health problems, from heart and kidney disease to promoting the onset of dementia (痴呆) symptoms. In some cases, the stress from wildfire smoke is so great that some people die.
Because the harm from wildfire smoke can accumulate and isn’t always immediately obvious, the long-term risks from wildfire smoke exposure have gone underestimated.
The NBER analysis used a suite of different computer models to figure out the relationship between fire activity and how much smoke was produced. In years like 2020, some northern California counties were exposed to double their normal pollution load for the year. In conditions like those, the total number of deaths increased by almost 6%. Even small increases in smoke exposure averaged out over the year, push mortality up.
Even with aggressive climate action in coming decades, wildfire activity is forecast to grow—and with it, smoke exposure. By the middle of the century, models suggest people across the U.S. will likely experience two to three times as much smoke as they did before 2020. Smoke-related deaths could rise by at least 8,000 people every year. With less aggressive climate action, the number of deaths could be even higher.
1．What can be learned about wildfire smoke exposure
A．It has become the main cause of death.
B．It produces immediate harmful effects.
C．It makes health problems more serious.
D．It can be avoided by using dust masks.
2．What will happen to Americans according to the computer models
A．Experiencing less wildfire smoke exposure.
B．Facing more deaths caused by heavy smoking.
C．Having more deaths connected to wildfire smoke.
D．Reducing wildfire activities with aggressive actions.
3．Where does this passage probably come from
A．A scientific report. B．Analysis of climate change.
C．An academic paper. D．Research findings of wildfire.
4．Which of the following is the best title for the passage
A．The Formation of Wildlife Smoke B．The Harm of Wildfire Smoke to Health
C．The Ways to Reduce Wildfires D．The Causes of Too Many Wildfires
答案解析
1.答案：C
解析：文章指出 “tiny particles present in smoke worsen many different health problems... Repeated exposures, or high-concentration exposures, can worsen other health problems”，说明野火烟雾暴露会使健康问题加重，所以选 C。
重点词汇：worsen（使恶化）；exposure（暴露）
2.答案：C
解析：根据 “By the middle of the century... Smoke-related deaths could rise by at least 8,000 people every year.” 可知，电脑模型显示美国人与野火烟雾相关的死亡人数将会增加，所以选 C。
重点词汇：computer model（电脑模型）；related（相关的）
3.答案：A
解析：文章介绍了美国国家经济研究局关于野火烟雾对健康影响的研究结果，属于科学报告的范畴，所以选 A。
重点词汇：scientific report（科学报告）；research（研究）
4.答案：B
解析：文章围绕野火烟雾对健康的危害展开，包括导致死亡人数增加、加重健康问题等，所以 “The Harm of Wildfire Smoke to Health” 作为标题最合适，选 B。
重点词汇：harm（危害）；wildfire（野火）
重点词组及句式总结：
health consequences（健康后果）；
contribute to（导致）；
penetrate into（渗透到）；
accumulate（积累）；
underestimate（低估）
“New research shows that... contributing to nearly... each year across the U.S., according to...”（根据…… 的研究，新研究表明…… 每年在美国导致近……）：New research shows that the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure stretch well beyond the smoky days themselves, contributing to nearly 16,000 deaths each year across the U.S., according to a National Bureau of Economic Research analysis released in April.
“Even with..., ... is forecast to grow—and with it, ...”（即使有……，…… 预计会增加 —— 随之而来的是……）：
Even with aggressive climate action in coming decades, wildfire activity is forecast to grow—and with it, smoke exposure.
Passage 2
难度
Rescue efforts continue in North Africa, a region that has been hit with two major natural disasters. An earthquake struck Morocco on September 8. Two days later, rain brought devastating (毁灭性的) floods to parts of Libya.
The 6.8-magnitude (震级) quake in Morocco was the strongest the country has seen in a century. Some 300,000 people have been affected, according to the UN. Many people have been sleeping outside, having lost their homes, or in case aftershocks cause more buildings to collapse. At press time (发稿时间), close to 3,000 people had died.
“It’s a major disaster, ” says Salah Ancheu, who lives in the village of Amizmiz, “We don’t know what the future is. ”
There are some people in Morocco who say their government has been too slow in sending help to these villages. Neighbors have had to take action to help one another. “I was asleep when the earthquake struck,” says Fatna Bechar, who lives in Moulay Brahim. “I was saved by my neighbors who cleared the rubble (瓦砾).”
In Libya, floodwaters broke through dams near the port city of Derna on September. The Wadi Derna river overflowed and swept through the city. Floors in apartment buildings collapsed.
Several other towns suffered damage. Families have taken shelter in schools and government buildings. The United States says it’s working with the UN on how best to help, and countries in the region are also offering help.
5．How did Salah Ancheu feel according to Paragraph 3
A．Depressed.
B．Confident.
C．Optimistic.
D．Excited.
6．Who saved Fatna Bechar
A．His neighbours.
B．His colleagues.
C．His families.
D．The government workers.
7．What do we know from the last paragraphs
A．Floodwaters broke through dams on October.
B．Families have taken shelter in tents and hotels.
C．The US is working with the UN to offer help.
D．No other countries have offered help to Libya.
8．What can be a suitable title for the text
A．Disasters in North Africa
B．People Suffered in Disasters
C．The UN Offered Help in Disasters
D．Rescue Teams in Morocco and Libya
答案解析
5. 答案：A
解析： Salah Ancheu 说 “It’s a major disaster. We don’t know what the future is.”，体现出他内心的沮丧和迷茫，所以选 A。
重点词汇：depressed（沮丧的）；disaster（灾难）
6.答案：A
解析：文中明确提到 “'I was saved by my neighbors who cleared the rubble.'”，可知是邻居救了 Fatna Bechar，所以选 A。
重点词汇：neighbor（邻居）；rescue（救援）
7.答案：C
解析：最后一段提到 “The United States says it’s working with the UN on how best to help”，与选项 C 表述一致，所以选 C。
重点词汇：work with（与…… 合作）；offer help（提供帮助）
8.答案：A
解析：文章主要讲述了北非遭遇地震和洪水两场自然灾害及相关情况，所以 “Disasters in North Africa” 作为标题最合适，选 A。
重点词汇：disaster（灾难）；North Africa（北非）
重点词组及句式总结：
rescue effort（救援工作）；
natural disaster（自然灾害）；
earthquake strike（地震发生）；
floodwater（洪水）；
take shelter（避难）
“Rescue efforts continue in... a region that has been hit with two major natural disasters.”（…… 的救援工作仍在继续，该地区遭受了两场重大自然灾害。）：Rescue efforts continue in North Africa, a region that has been hit with two major natural disasters.
“Several other towns suffered damage. Families have taken shelter in...”（其他几个城镇也遭受了破坏。家庭在…… 避难。）：
Several other towns suffered damage. Families have taken shelter in schools and government buildings.
Passage 3
难度
Venice is no stranger to floods. The city experiences water increases from the rising tides at least four times a year, usually during winter.
However, the 1.87-meter tide that swept through the city on November 12, 2019, was one of the highest ever experienced. To make matters worse, it was followed by two consecutive (持续的) water increases. The rapid series of high tides covered over 80 percent of the city of canals, causing widespread destruction (破坏) to museums, homes, and businesses.
Though difficult, it is always important to find a silver lining (困境中的一线希望) after such events. In Venice, it has come in the form of the “Angels of the Salt”—hundreds of youth volunteers who have arrived in the beautiful city to help with the clean-up efforts. Piero Risica said, “When we saw the historic flooding on Tuesday night, we immediately started to gather volunteers to help the city. The first day we were 200 in the Telegram group and on the ground. Yesterday 550, and today more than 1,700.”
In addition to helping drain (排空) the flood waters from residences and businesses, the young volunteers are also collecting the garbage and water-damaged devices and taking them to recycling centers.
What makes Venetians annoyed is that the destruction could have been avoided if the Moveable Barrier System (MOSE) had been in place. The project to place moveable floodgates that would stop the high tides from covering the city has been under construction since 2003, and has already cost $5 billion. However, it is nowhere close to completion.
9．When is it easy for Venice to experience rising tides
A．In spring.
B．In summer.
C．In winter.
D．In autumn.
10．What does the author intend to do in Paragraph 2
A．To tell us the influence of high tides.
B．To warn the danger of living in Venice.
C．To compare the differences of past tides.
D．To explain the cause of the 2019 flood.
11．What can we infer from Paragraph 3
A．Angels of the Salt is famous in Italy.
B．Angels of the Salt is in charge of rescue.
C．Volunteers take an active part in the action to help Venice.
D．The number of volunteers is decreasing day by day.
12．What makes Venetians dissatisfied
A．The unfinished MOSE.
B．The destruction of MOSE.
C．The waste of a lot of money.
D．The lack of government support.
答案解析
9. 答案：C
解析：文章开头指出 “The city experiences water increases from the rising tides at least four times a year, usually during winter.”，可知威尼斯在冬季容易出现涨潮，所以选 C。
重点词汇：rising tide（涨潮）；winter（冬季）
10.答案：A
解析：第二段描述了 2019 年 11 月 12 日的涨潮情况及影响，“The rapid series of high tides covered over 80 percent of the city of canals, causing widespread destruction to museums, homes, and businesses.”，目的是告诉我们高潮汐的影响，所以选 A。
重点词汇：influence（影响）；destruction（破坏）
11.答案：C
解析：根据 “Piero Risica said, 'When we saw the historic flooding on Tuesday night, we immediately started to gather volunteers to help the city. The first day we were 200 in the Telegram group and on the ground. Yesterday 550, and today more than 1,700.'” 可知志愿者积极参与帮助威尼斯的行动，所以选 C。
重点词汇：volunteer（志愿者）；active（积极的）
12.答案：A
解析：文中提到 “What makes Venetians annoyed is that the destruction could have been avoided if the Moveable Barrier System (MOSE) had been in place... However, it is nowhere close to completion.”，可知威尼斯人不满的是未完工的 MOSE，所以选 A。
重点词汇：annoyed（恼怒的）；unfinished（未完成的）
重点词组及句式总结：
be no stranger to（对…… 不陌生）；
sweep through（席卷）；
widespread destruction（广泛破坏）；
clean-up effort（清理工作）；
be under construction（在建设中）
“Venice is no stranger to... The city experiences... at least four times a year, usually during...”（威尼斯对…… 并不陌生。这座城市每年至少经历…… 四次，通常在…… 期间。）：
例句：Venice is no stranger to floods. The city experiences water increases from the rising tides at least four times a year, usually during winter.
“What makes... annoyed is that... if... had been in place.”（让…… 恼怒的是，如果…… 到位的话，…… 本可以避免。）：
例句：What makes Venetians annoyed is that the destruction could have been avoided if the Moveable Barrier System (MOSE) had been in place.
Passage 4
难度
The Jan.17, 1994, Northridge earthquake caused extensive damage to roadways in Los Angeles, particularly on the 10 Freeway east of Culver City. Two freeway bridges at La Cienega and Washington were knocked out, resulting in significant interruptions to the crucial east-west traffic corridor in central Los Angeles.
The Santa Monica Freeway was reopened in less than three months, providing a boost to L.A．’s quake recovery. In recent events, a fire on the 10 Freeway, again closing the roadway, has brought comparison to 1994. The extent of the damage and repair timeline remain uncertain. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need for urgent action and a similar effort as the 1994 earthquake repairs.
Here is a review of that epic 1994 repair effort from the pages of The Times.
Officials knew right away they needed to get the freeway operating as soon as possible. With an average of 341,000 vehicles a day using the roadway, they said, the extra time it took goods to reach their destinations and workers to get to their jobs cost millions in lost production and wages. It was estimated that the closure cost the economy $1 million per day. The closure of the freeway forced commuters to seek alternative routes, causing congestion (拥塞) on already crowded surface streets between Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles. Detours (绕路) added delays of 20 minutes or more to travel times.
Luckily, an accelerated construction effort was launched, involving round-the-clock work. This resulted in earlier-than-expected reopenings. Contractor C．C． Myers Inc. completed the project 74 days ahead of schedule. They received a 200, 000 bonus for each day the work was finished early. However, the cost of the project escalated from the original bid of 14.9 million to nearly $30 million due to the complexity and urgency of the repairs.
The repair efforts following the Northridge earthquake were characterized by intense and focused work to restore critical transportation infrastructure (基础设施). These experiences serve as a reference point for the current situation, calling for swift action in repairing the fire-damaged 10 Freeway.
13．Why was the recent fire compared to the 1994 earthquake
A．To indicate the severe damage it had caused
B．To show citizens’ devotion to the repair work.
C．To stress the necessity of immediate repair effort.
D．To explain the difficulty of repairing the damage.
14．What is paragraphs 4 mainly about
A．The impacts of the freeway closure.
B．The economic value of the freeway.
C．The operating system of the freeway.
D．The cost of the freeway construction.
15．What does the underlined word “escalated” in paragraph 5 mean
A．Transformed. B．Mounted.
C．Maintained. D．Restricted.
16．What do we know about the 1994 earthquake repairs
A．The repairs were accomplished in 74 days.
B．The repairs were completed under budget.
C．The repairs were mainly funded by C.C. Myers Inc..
D．The repairs were complicated and labor-demanding.
答案解析
13. 答案：C
解析：文中提到 “In recent events, a fire on the 10 Freeway, again closing the roadway, has brought comparison to 1994... Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need for urgent action and a similar effort as the 1994 earthquake repairs.”，可知将最近的火灾与 1994 年地震相比是为了强调立即修复的必要性，所以选 C。
重点词汇：urgent（紧急的）；repair（修复）
14.答案：A
解析：第四段主要讲述了高速公路关闭造成的影响，包括经济损失、交通拥堵等，所以选 A。
重点词汇：impact（影响）；closure（关闭）
15.答案：B
解析：根据 “from the original bid of 14.9 million to nearly 30 million” 可知项目成本从最初的 1490 万美元上升到近 3000 万美元，“escalated” 意为 “上升”，与 “mounted” 意思相近，所以选 B。
重点词汇：escalate（上升）；mount（增长）
16.答案：D
解析：文中提到 “the cost of the project escalated from the original bid of 14.9 million to nearly 30 million due to the complexity and urgency of the repairs”，说明 1994 年的地震修复工作复杂且需要大量人力，所以选 D。
重点词汇：complicated（复杂的）；labor-demanding（需要大量劳动力的）
重点词组及句式总结：
extensive damage（广泛破坏）；
traffic corridor（交通走廊）；
round-the-clock work（全天候工作）；
ahead of schedule（提前）；
critical infrastructure（关键基础设施）
“The... earthquake caused extensive damage to... particularly on...”（…… 地震对…… 造成了广泛破坏，特别是在……）：
例句：The Jan.17, 1994, Northridge earthquake caused extensive damage to roadways in Los Angeles, particularly on the 10 Freeway east of Culver City.
“However, the cost of the project escalated from... to... due to the complexity and urgency of the repairs.”（然而，由于修复工作的复杂性和紧迫性，项目成本从…… 上升到……）：
例句：However, the cost of the project escalated from the original bid of 14.9 million to nearly 30 million due to the complexity and urgency of the repairs.
Passage 5
难度
On May 7th, 1902, on the island of Martinique, Ludgar Sylbaris, the town’s drunk and troublemaker, got thrown into prison. However, it turned out to be the luckiest day of his life.
Saint Pierre on Martinique was at the time known as the Paris of Caribbean. It had a big population of 30, 000 people and was a cultural centre. Martinique is home to Mount Pelee, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
In the weeks before Ludgar Sylbaris was thrown into prison, the volcano on the island of Martinique was showing signs of volcanic activity. Without modern Volcanology, people still sensed that something was going to happen, but they didn’t have a really good sense of how big or how dangerous the threat was. Thousands of people left the countryside and came to the city of Saint Pierre because they thought it would be safer there. That was a terrible mistake.
The day after Ludgar Sylbaris went into that prison cell, Mount Pelee exploded. And in an instant 3, 000 people were killed. A pressure wave flattened every single building. Anyone who was unlucky enough to be outside was instantly burned to death. Those who were in shelter found themselves choking as their lungs were burned from the inside out. There was really no escape except for one person, Ludgar Sylbaris.
The cell he was in had been built as an armory (军械库) . So it had been built within the thick walls and it happened that the only opening in it faced away from the eruption. Even so, super-hot air began to force its way underneath the door. And as his cell heated to extremely high temperatures, he was forced to take off his clothes, push them underneath the door and he peed (小便) on the clothes just to try to keep the hot air from entering. He was still badly burned and wasn’t found until four days later when rescuers heard his cries.
17．What caused so many people to die in the volcano eruption
A．Shortage of survival skills.
B．Ignorance of modern Volcanology.
C．Lack of good judgement of the threat.
D．Unawareness of the volcanic activity signs.
18．Which of the following is the right order according to the passage
a. The volcano of Mount Pelee erupted.
b. Buildings were flattened and no one escaped.
c. Thousands of people fled to the city of Saint Pierre.
d. Mount Pelee was showing signs of volcanic activity.
e. Ludgar Sylbaris managed to save himself and was rescued.
A．dbace B．abdce C．adceb D．dcabe
19．Which of the following is true according to the last paragraph
A．The cell’s opening faced the eruption.
B．The cell was far away from the eruption.
C．Ludgar took proper self-rescue measures.
D．Ludgar hid in the heavily-guarded armory.
20．What’s the purpose of the passage
A．To introduce the island of Martinique.
B．To inspire people to explore the Mount Pelee.
C．To provide ways to survive a volcano eruption.
D．To tell the story of a volcano eruption survivor.
答案解析
17. 答案：C
解析：文中提到 “people still sensed that something was going to happen, but they didn’t have a really good sense of how big or how dangerous the threat was. Thousands of people left the countryside and came to the city of Saint Pierre because they thought it would be safer there. That was a terrible mistake.”，可知许多人死亡是因为对威胁缺乏良好的判断，所以选 C。
重点词汇：judgement（判断）；threat（威胁）
答案：D
解析：事件顺序为：先是培雷火山出现活动迹象（d），然后数千人逃到圣皮埃尔市（c），接着火山爆发（a），建筑物被夷平（b），最后路德加 西尔巴里成功自救并被救出（e），所以正确顺序是 dcabe，选 D。
重点词汇：erupt（爆发）；survive（幸存）
答案：C
解析：根据 “And as his cell heated to extremely high temperatures, he was forced to take off his clothes, push them underneath the door and he peed on the clothes just to try to keep the hot air from entering.” 可知路德加采取了适当的自救措施，所以选 C。
重点词汇：self-rescue（自救）；measure（措施）
答案：D
解析：文章主要讲述了路德加 西尔巴里在培雷火山爆发中幸存下来的故事，所以选 D。
重点词汇：survivor（幸存者）；volcano eruption（火山爆发）
重点词组及句式总结：
troublemaker（捣蛋鬼）；
volcanic activity（火山活动）；
pressure wave（压力波）；
take off（脱下）；
rescuer（救援者）
“On... , ... got thrown into prison. However, it turned out to be the luckiest day of his life.”（在……，…… 被投入监狱。然而，这却成了他一生中最幸运的一天。）：
例句：On May 7th, 1902, on the island of Martinique, Ludgar Sylbaris, the town’s drunk and troublemaker, got thrown into prison. However, it turned out to be the luckiest day of his life.
“There was really no escape except for one person, ...”（除了一个人，真的没有人能逃脱，……）：
例句：There was really no escape except for one person, Ludgar Sylbaris./ 让教学更有效 高效备考 | 英语学科
Unit 4 Natural disasters阅读理解精练
目录
精练篇
Passage 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
基础篇
Passage 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Passage 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Passage 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
拔高篇
Passage 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Passage 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Passage 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Passage 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Passage 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
精练篇
Passage 1
难度
Animal appear to predict earthquakes by sensing electricity in the air — the first study to find reliable evidence of the phenomenon has shown.
Cameras revealed an “amazing” drop in the number of animals up to 23 days before a major quake hit their rainforest home at Yanachaga National Park in Peru. Lead scientist Dr Rachel Grant, from Anglia Ruskin University, said, “The results showed that just before the earthquake, animals’ activity dropped right down.”
On a normal day the cameras placed around Yanachaga National Park record between 5 and 15 animals. But in the 23 days before the earthquake, the number of animals dropped to five or fewer per day. No animals were photographed at all on five of the seven days immediately before the quake.
Another study showed that animal activity remained normal in the park over a different period when seismic (地震的) activity was low. Co-author, professor Friedemann Freund, said, “The cameras were located at an altitude of 900 meters. If air ionization occurred, the animals would escape to the valley below, where there were fewer positive ions ( 离子). With their ability to sense their environment, animals can help us understand small changes that occur before major earthquakes.”
Other evidence suggested that before the earthquake, the air around the high mountain sites was filled with positive ions that can be produced when rocks are placed under stress. Positive ions have been known to cause ill effects in humans as well as animals. Scientists believe the animals were made to feel uncomfortable by the positive ions, leading them to avoid the area. They are thought to have escaped to lower ground, where the air was less ionized. The findings may help experts develop better short-term seismic forecasts.
1．How did scientists conduct the study
A．By comparing different animals’ habits.
B．By observing animals in high mountains.
C．By explaining the positive ion phenomenon.
D．By analyzing images of animals they obtained.
2．What can be inferred from animal activity before earthquakes
A．The ground at a lower altitude is less ionized.
B．Cameras normally record more animals per day.
C．Earthquake warnings can be detected in lower places.
D．The activity of animals and earthquakes is consistent.
3．What can we learn from the text
A．The findings make for accurate seismic forecast.
B．Animals tend to be uneasy with more positive ions.
C．Positive ions make humans and animals depressed.
D．All the animals remain abnormal before the earthquake.
4．What can be a suitable title for the text
A．Negative Influence of Positive Ions.
B．Ions’ Destruction to the Environment.
C．Animals’ Behavior Before Earthquakes.
D．Creatures’ Ability to Predict Earthquakes.
基础篇
Passage 1
难度
Thousands of people have been killed in an earthquake in Japan. The quake -- the biggest one to happen in Japan --caused massive (大量的) damage and many people are missing and feared dead.
The 8.9 magnitude quake struck Friday (March 11) off Japan's eastern coast, and caused tsunami across the Pacific as far away as South America and the U.S. West Coast. Several days after a 8.9-magnitude earthquake and resulting 10-meter-high tsunami damaged the coastline. The United States Geological Survey (美国地质调查所) says it was the fifth largest earthquake since 1900. The largest, with a 9.5 magnitude, shook Chile in 1960.
In Japan, the tsunami swept away boats, cars and hundreds of houses in coastal areas north of Tokyo. The quake shook buildings in the Japanese capital and caused several fires. All train and subway traffic in Tokyo has been stopped, and thousands of people there were unable to get back home. People are just trying to find clean water. Food supplies are running out. In the convenience stores, there are no rice balls left. There is no bottled water left. People are facing a really serious situation in the days ahead for these people that are living in areas that were only common damaged. The final death rate could range from the thousands to tens of thousands, depending on how many of these communities are gone.
Japanese Prime Minister (首相) Naoto Kan said the government would do everything it can to reduce the effects of the disaster.
1．According to the passage, which earthquake is the largest one since 1900
A．the one happened in Japan on March 11, 2011
B．the one in Chile in 1960
C．the fifth largest earthquake since 1900
D．We don't know.
2．Which is true according to the passage
A．Thousands of people have been killed in a massive earthquake in Japan.
B．Only people in areas are facing a really serious situation in the days.
C．The earthquake damaged not only in Japan's western coast, but also in South America and the U.S West Coast.
D．The tsunami caused the massive earthquake.
3．If you're in Tokyo these days, what you can't get from the convenience store
A．newspapers and magazines B．some medicine
C．paper napkins and toothpastes D．rice balls and bottled water
4．where is the passage come from
A．Text book B．scientific research
C．travel brochure D．newspaper
Passage 2
难度
International Shake Out Day This Year
This year’s International Shake Out Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will take part in earthquake drills (演习) at work, school, or home! It is a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.
At 10:17 am (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world in practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage everyone to take part, you can sign up for your Shake Out drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in different locations through videos.
FIND YOUR REGION
Most participants (参与者) are in one of the official Shake Out Regions listed below the page (with current sign-up totals). People and organizations in other countries can also sign up.
· All regions take part in it on October 17, 2024, unless specified.
(As of Today)
Global Totals
US Totals
Oct.17, 2024 Drills
Over 270,000
Over 260,000
All 2024 Drills
Over 1.10 million
Over 950,000
All 2023 Drills
Over 57.3 million
Over 19.3 million
Shake Out began in California and has also been organized in many other states and countries. Official Shake Out Regions require special local or regional cooperation, typically by an emergency (紧急情况) management agency or a union of many organizations. If you are interested in establishing Shake Out for your region, please contact us at https://www.shakeout.org. If your state, province, or country is not yet taking part, you can sign up for yourself or your organization as part of the global participation total.
5．What is the purpose of the activity
A．To raise people’s safety awareness.
B．To stress the challenges of earthquakes.
C．To help people get ready for an earthquake.
D．To warn people of the danger of earthquakes.
6．How many people worldwide took part in the drills in 2023
A．Over 270,000. B．Over 950,000.
C．Over 57.3 million. D．Over 19.3 million.
7．Where is the text from
A．A website. B．A book review.
C．A guidebook. D．A diary entry.
Passage 3
难度
A woman in a cap wanders calmly along. Except for the lava (熔岩) erupting behind her, she could be walking in the park. The woman turns to watch the molten rock flow for a moment then walks calmly toward the camera. The footage (镜头) is from Werner Herzog’s book to volcanoes and volcano hunters, Into the Inferno, and the woman pictured is perhaps one of the most important volcanologists of all time, Katia Krafft.
Born in France, in 1942, Katia developed an interest in volcanoes at an early age. Later, she met Maurice Krafft. The pair bonded over their shared love of volcanoes before marrying in 1970. The Kraffts wrote about 20 books on volcanoes across the globe.
Katia and her husband made great progress in educating the general public in volcanology. Their footage had more than scientific value. For instance, when Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines began to show signs of an eruption in 1991, the Kraffts were able to present Philippine President Cory Aquino with video footage of the effects of the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, asking him to call for an evacuation of those in the danger zone.
In 1969, Katia was awarded the prize of the Vocation Foundation for her work on active volcanic sites.
The couple lost their lives, along with more than 40 others during the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan on June 3.1991. when they were caught in a flow of rock, gas and ash moving at speeds of over 100 miles per hour, with temperatures of more than 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Katia was 49; Maurice, 45.
Katia’s impact on volcanology has reached far beyond her death and has encouraged many young women to study our restless planet. “Katia Krafft is definitely the reason why I’m doing this job,” says Carla Tiraboschi, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minster, Germany. Carla first saw Katia in a documentary when she was just six or seven years old and has been crazy about volcanoes ever since.
8．What can we infer from the book Into the Inferno
A．Its author is Katia Krafft.
B．It’s a biography of Katia Krafft.
C．It calls on protecting the environment.
D．It focuses on volcanoes and their explorers.
9．What do we know about the couple
A．They prevented a natural disaster.
B．They served as a warning in Japan.
C．They helped spread volcano science.
D．They covered Mount Pinatubo’s eruption.
10. Which can replace the underlined word “evacuation” in paragraph 3
A．Substance. B．Departure. C．Occupation. D．Intervention.
11. How did Katia influence Carla Tiraboschi
A．Katia’s death made her restless.
B．Katia helped her with her research.
C．Katia taught her to make a documentary.
D．Katia’s deeds inspired her career choice.
拔高篇
Passage 1
难度
New research shows that the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure stretch well beyond the smoky days themselves, contributing to nearly 16,000 deaths each year across the U.S., according to a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) analysis released in April. The analysis warns that number could grow to nearly 30,000 deaths each year by the middle of the century.
Wildfire smoke is rarely listed as a cause of death on people’s death certificates. But research has shown that tiny particles present in smoke worsen many different health problems. These particles penetrate (渗透) deep into people’s lungs and can cross into the bloodstream or even into the brain. Repeated exposures, or high-concentration exposures, can worsen other health problems, from heart and kidney disease to promoting the onset of dementia (痴呆) symptoms. In some cases, the stress from wildfire smoke is so great that some people die.
Because the harm from wildfire smoke can accumulate and isn’t always immediately obvious, the long-term risks from wildfire smoke exposure have gone underestimated.
The NBER analysis used a suite of different computer models to figure out the relationship between fire activity and how much smoke was produced. In years like 2020, some northern California counties were exposed to double their normal pollution load for the year. In conditions like those, the total number of deaths increased by almost 6%. Even small increases in smoke exposure averaged out over the year, push mortality up.
Even with aggressive climate action in coming decades, wildfire activity is forecast to grow—and with it, smoke exposure. By the middle of the century, models suggest people across the U.S. will likely experience two to three times as much smoke as they did before 2020. Smoke-related deaths could rise by at least 8,000 people every year. With less aggressive climate action, the number of deaths could be even higher.
1．What can be learned about wildfire smoke exposure
A．It has become the main cause of death.
B．It produces immediate harmful effects.
C．It makes health problems more serious.
D．It can be avoided by using dust masks.
2．What will happen to Americans according to the computer models
A．Experiencing less wildfire smoke exposure.
B．Facing more deaths caused by heavy smoking.
C．Having more deaths connected to wildfire smoke.
D．Reducing wildfire activities with aggressive actions.
3．Where does this passage probably come from
A．A scientific report. B．Analysis of climate change.
C．An academic paper. D．Research findings of wildfire.
4．Which of the following is the best title for the passage
A．The Formation of Wildlife Smoke B．The Harm of Wildfire Smoke to Health
C．The Ways to Reduce Wildfires D．The Causes of Too Many Wildfires
Passage 2
难度
Rescue efforts continue in North Africa, a region that has been hit with two major natural disasters. An earthquake struck Morocco on September 8. Two days later, rain brought devastating (毁灭性的) floods to parts of Libya.
The 6.8-magnitude (震级) quake in Morocco was the strongest the country has seen in a century. Some 300,000 people have been affected, according to the UN. Many people have been sleeping outside, having lost their homes, or in case aftershocks cause more buildings to collapse. At press time (发稿时间), close to 3,000 people had died.
“It’s a major disaster, ” says Salah Ancheu, who lives in the village of Amizmiz, “We don’t know what the future is. ”
There are some people in Morocco who say their government has been too slow in sending help to these villages. Neighbors have had to take action to help one another. “I was asleep when the earthquake struck,” says Fatna Bechar, who lives in Moulay Brahim. “I was saved by my neighbors who cleared the rubble (瓦砾).”
In Libya, floodwaters broke through dams near the port city of Derna on September. The Wadi Derna river overflowed and swept through the city. Floors in apartment buildings collapsed.
Several other towns suffered damage. Families have taken shelter in schools and government buildings. The United States says it’s working with the UN on how best to help, and countries in the region are also offering help.
5．How did Salah Ancheu feel according to Paragraph 3
A．Depressed.
B．Confident.
C．Optimistic.
D．Excited.
6．Who saved Fatna Bechar
A．His neighbours.
B．His colleagues.
C．His families.
D．The government workers.
7．What do we know from the last paragraphs
A．Floodwaters broke through dams on October.
B．Families have taken shelter in tents and hotels.
C．The US is working with the UN to offer help.
D．No other countries have offered help to Libya.
8．What can be a suitable title for the text
A．Disasters in North Africa
B．People Suffered in Disasters
C．The UN Offered Help in Disasters
D．Rescue Teams in Morocco and Libya
Passage 3
难度
Venice is no stranger to floods. The city experiences water increases from the rising tides at least four times a year, usually during winter.
However, the 1.87-meter tide that swept through the city on November 12, 2019, was one of the highest ever experienced. To make matters worse, it was followed by two consecutive (持续的) water increases. The rapid series of high tides covered over 80 percent of the city of canals, causing widespread destruction (破坏) to museums, homes, and businesses.
Though difficult, it is always important to find a silver lining (困境中的一线希望) after such events. In Venice, it has come in the form of the “Angels of the Salt”—hundreds of youth volunteers who have arrived in the beautiful city to help with the clean-up efforts. Piero Risica said, “When we saw the historic flooding on Tuesday night, we immediately started to gather volunteers to help the city. The first day we were 200 in the Telegram group and on the ground. Yesterday 550, and today more than 1,700.”
In addition to helping drain (排空) the flood waters from residences and businesses, the young volunteers are also collecting the garbage and water-damaged devices and taking them to recycling centers.
What makes Venetians annoyed is that the destruction could have been avoided if the Moveable Barrier System (MOSE) had been in place. The project to place moveable floodgates that would stop the high tides from covering the city has been under construction since 2003, and has already cost $5 billion. However, it is nowhere close to completion.
9．When is it easy for Venice to experience rising tides
A．In spring.
B．In summer.
C．In winter.
D．In autumn.
10．What does the author intend to do in Paragraph 2
A．To tell us the influence of high tides.
B．To warn the danger of living in Venice.
C．To compare the differences of past tides.
D．To explain the cause of the 2019 flood.
11．What can we infer from Paragraph 3
A．Angels of the Salt is famous in Italy.
B．Angels of the Salt is in charge of rescue.
C．Volunteers take an active part in the action to help Venice.
D．The number of volunteers is decreasing day by day.
12．What makes Venetians dissatisfied
A．The unfinished MOSE.
B．The destruction of MOSE.
C．The waste of a lot of money.
D．The lack of government support.
Passage 4
难度
The Jan.17, 1994, Northridge earthquake caused extensive damage to roadways in Los Angeles, particularly on the 10 Freeway east of Culver City. Two freeway bridges at La Cienega and Washington were knocked out, resulting in significant interruptions to the crucial east-west traffic corridor in central Los Angeles.
The Santa Monica Freeway was reopened in less than three months, providing a boost to L.A．’s quake recovery. In recent events, a fire on the 10 Freeway, again closing the roadway, has brought comparison to 1994. The extent of the damage and repair timeline remain uncertain. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need for urgent action and a similar effort as the 1994 earthquake repairs.
Here is a review of that epic 1994 repair effort from the pages of The Times.
Officials knew right away they needed to get the freeway operating as soon as possible. With an average of 341,000 vehicles a day using the roadway, they said, the extra time it took goods to reach their destinations and workers to get to their jobs cost millions in lost production and wages. It was estimated that the closure cost the economy $1 million per day. The closure of the freeway forced commuters to seek alternative routes, causing congestion (拥塞) on already crowded surface streets between Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles. Detours (绕路) added delays of 20 minutes or more to travel times.
Luckily, an accelerated construction effort was launched, involving round-the-clock work. This resulted in earlier-than-expected reopenings. Contractor C．C． Myers Inc. completed the project 74 days ahead of schedule. They received a 200, 000 bonus for each day the work was finished early. However, the cost of the project escalated from the original bid of 14.9 million to nearly $30 million due to the complexity and urgency of the repairs.
The repair efforts following the Northridge earthquake were characterized by intense and focused work to restore critical transportation infrastructure (基础设施). These experiences serve as a reference point for the current situation, calling for swift action in repairing the fire-damaged 10 Freeway.
13．Why was the recent fire compared to the 1994 earthquake
A．To indicate the severe damage it had caused
B．To show citizens’ devotion to the repair work.
C．To stress the necessity of immediate repair effort.
D．To explain the difficulty of repairing the damage.
14．What is paragraphs 4 mainly about
A．The impacts of the freeway closure.
B．The economic value of the freeway.
C．The operating system of the freeway.
D．The cost of the freeway construction.
15．What does the underlined word “escalated” in paragraph 5 mean
A．Transformed. B．Mounted.
C．Maintained. D．Restricted.
16．What do we know about the 1994 earthquake repairs
A．The repairs were accomplished in 74 days.
B．The repairs were completed under budget.
C．The repairs were mainly funded by C.C. Myers Inc..
D．The repairs were complicated and labor-demanding.
Passage 5
难度
On May 7th, 1902, on the island of Martinique, Ludgar Sylbaris, the town’s drunk and troublemaker, got thrown into prison. However, it turned out to be the luckiest day of his life.
Saint Pierre on Martinique was at the time known as the Paris of Caribbean. It had a big population of 30, 000 people and was a cultural centre. Martinique is home to Mount Pelee, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
In the weeks before Ludgar Sylbaris was thrown into prison, the volcano on the island of Martinique was showing signs of volcanic activity. Without modern Volcanology, people still sensed that something was going to happen, but they didn’t have a really good sense of how big or how dangerous the threat was. Thousands of people left the countryside and came to the city of Saint Pierre because they thought it would be safer there. That was a terrible mistake.
The day after Ludgar Sylbaris went into that prison cell, Mount Pelee exploded. And in an instant 3, 000 people were killed. A pressure wave flattened every single building. Anyone who was unlucky enough to be outside was instantly burned to death. Those who were in shelter found themselves choking as their lungs were burned from the inside out. There was really no escape except for one person, Ludgar Sylbaris.
The cell he was in had been built as an armory (军械库) . So it had been built within the thick walls and it happened that the only opening in it faced away from the eruption. Even so, super-hot air began to force its way underneath the door. And as his cell heated to extremely high temperatures, he was forced to take off his clothes, push them underneath the door and he peed (小便) on the clothes just to try to keep the hot air from entering. He was still badly burned and wasn’t found until four days later when rescuers heard his cries.
17．What caused so many people to die in the volcano eruption
A．Shortage of survival skills.
B．Ignorance of modern Volcanology.
C．Lack of good judgement of the threat.
D．Unawareness of the volcanic activity signs.
18．Which of the following is the right order according to the passage
a. The volcano of Mount Pelee erupted.
b. Buildings were flattened and no one escaped.
c. Thousands of people fled to the city of Saint Pierre.
d. Mount Pelee was showing signs of volcanic activity.
e. Ludgar Sylbaris managed to save himself and was rescued.
A．dbace B．abdce C．adceb D．dcabe
19．Which of the following is true according to the last paragraph
A．The cell’s opening faced the eruption.
B．The cell was far away from the eruption.
C．Ludgar took proper self-rescue measures.
D．Ludgar hid in the heavily-guarded armory.
20．What’s the purpose of the passage
A．To introduce the island of Martinique.
B．To inspire people to explore the Mount Pelee.
C．To provide ways to survive a volcano eruption.
D．To tell the story of a volcano eruption survivor.
