In most situations, light helps us see. But when it comes to looking at the night sky, light is actually a kind of pollution. It prevents our view of some of life's most striking sights: stars, planets, and even galaxies . "When I was a little boy, I loved the night sky. I remember looking up and the sky was filled with stars. I became an astronomer because I was amazed by their beauty," says Robert Gent, "Now in most big cities kids can't see the stars like I did." Normally, about 2,500 individual stars are visible to the human eyes without using any special equipment. But because of light pollution, you actually see just 200 to 300 and fewer than a dozen from some cities. Only one in three Americans can see our own galaxy with the naked eyes. Those people live far away from the lights of big cities, office buildings, and shopping malls. Fortunately, there's an inexpensive and useful way. If we shine lights down at the ground instead of up into the sky, and use lower brightness levels, we can save big amounts of energy and keep the beauty of the night sky. Many cities and towns have passed laws limiting lights at night, making sure enough shine for safety without creating much light pollution. Light pollution affects more than our view of the heavens and can harm wildlife. Migrating birds sometimes fly over cities and become confused by the brightness, flying in circles until they drop from _ Sea turtles need dark beaches for nesting and won't approach bright lights. Too much light at night may even affect human health. For all these reasons, researchers are working on ways to use lights only when and where they are truly needed. Everyone deserves to look up at the sky. Many cities and towns have passed laws limiting lights at night mainly to _ . A) save the electricity B) make sure of migrating birds' safety C) let you count the number of stars D) avoid much light pollution
D
(Question)
In the near future, all housework will be done without having a robot maid. Smart home technology will allow all sorts of electronics and appliances to be able to communicate with each other and perform various tasks. Whenever someone wants to have a snack, but does not feel like making something, why not have the refrigerator suggest something based on what it has inside of it. Not only that, it would communicate with the microwave to prepare the cooking power and time for that particular dish. Nearly all major appliances in the future will take advantage of this technology through home networks and the Internet. Smart home technology is a way for ordinary electronics and appliances to communicate with each other, consumers, and even manufacturers. Many consider a smart home to be one that is networked. Others feel it is a home that has appliances that will allow the consumer to do little or no work, but a smart home really is all of that combined, and more. Not only will all consumer products be networked, but they will also make life easier and more entertaining. Smart home technology is currently being developed and carried out for all rooms in the house, in particular the kitchen and the living room. Many of today's products are becoming "smart." Kitchen refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves are using this technology. Even washers and dryers have the technology today to be more automated to fit people's needs. Products in the bathroom will even start to use smart home technology. Electric razors, toilets, and showers will have some sort of automation built in. Smart home technology is still in its early stages but will soon make a great effect on everyone's lives. Because of smart home technology, electronics and appliances can _ . A) work at the same time B) communicate with each other C) act as a bridge between consumers and manufacturers D) work more effectively
(Answer)
B
Ques: Technology is the application of knowledge to production. Thanks to modern technology, we have been able to increase greatly the efficiency of our work force. New machines and new methods have helped cut down time and expense while increasing overall output. This has meant more production and a higher standard of living. For most of us in America, modern technology is thought of as the reason why we can have cars and television sets. However, technology has also increased the amount of food available to us, by means of modern farming machinery and animal breeding techniques, and has made our life span longer via medical technology. Will mankind continue to live longer and have a higher quality of life? In large measure, the answer depends on technology and our ability to use it widely. If we keep making progress as we have over the past fifty years, the answer is definitely yes. The advancement of technology depends on research and development, and the latest surveys show that the united States is continuing to put billions of dollars annually into such efforts. So while we are running out of some limited resources, we may well find technological substitutes for many of them through our research programs. Therefore, in the final analysis, the three major factors of production (land, labor and capital) are all influenced by technology. When we need new skills or techniques in medicine, people will start developing new technology to meet those needs. As equipment proves to be slow or inefficient, new machines will be invented. Technology responds to our needs in helping us improve our standard of living. What is the best title for the passage? A) The definition of technology B) Modern technology C) The application of technology D) The development of technology
Ans: B
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or sleep restfully.It is a problem to nearly everyone at some time .A person may be awake for an hour in the middle of the night and then , next morning, feel that he hardly sleep all night Normally, worry about not getting enough sleep is the worst aspect of most insomnia.If insomnia is recurrent, however, it is important to find its causes and try to correct them, with the help of a doctor if necessary. Any of a large number of simple factors may take it difficult for someone to fall asleep or remain asleep.His matters may be too soft or too hard.If there are too many blankets on a hot night, he may be too warm; if the bedclothes are too light he may feel cold during the night.If it is not dark enough, or too noisy, this may cause difficulty in sleeping.Eating shortly before going to bed also be responsible for insomnia.Stimulating drinks, such as tea or coffee, can also keep people awake. Inability to fall asleep is sometimes a symptom of emotional or mental disorders.Insomnia may also be caused by pain and, very rarely, it can be a symptom of a physical disease. The cause of insomnia may be easy to correct.The sufferer should check the mattress, bedclothes and bedroom temperature, and make any necessary changes.An eye mask keeps out the night and ear-plugs shut out sound.He should relax for an hour or two before bedtime, perhaps by reading a book; watching TV, or taking a warm bath.If he wakes during the night he should try turning on the light and reading for a while.Taking warm milk and a biscuit or two may be helpful.Above all, he should try not to worry about sleeplessness when someone is tired enough he nearly always falls asleep. If necessary, a doctor may prescribe tranquillizers or sleeping pills.Take only the dosage he prescribes; any more is dangerous. Which of the following statements is not the cause of insomnia? A) too many blankets on a hot night B) drinking juice C) emotional or mental disorders D) physical pain
B