Pollution is anything that harms or disturbs the natural environment. Just as chemicals in a river or litter in the park are pollution, so unwanted noise can pollute too. Some people cause noise pollution by playing their radios too loud, but the main problems in many areas are aircraft and traffic noise. In science, a noise is a mixture of vibrations without any smooth, regular pattern, for example, the sound of an electric drill or a radio tuning from one station to another. Noise can be reduced by soundproofing. You have probably noticed the difference between the sound in a empty room and a furnished one. Some materials are very effective at _ sounds. They are often made up of fibres or foam, because these trap layers or bubbles of air. Sounds do not travel well through air. Most of the curtains, carpets and upholstery in your home are good sound absorbers and will stop sound travelling through windows, walls and floors. A lot of noise pollution can be avoided if a machine is designed properly. Modern cars contain different materials to reduce the amount of noise coming from the engine and other moving parts, as well as noise produced by the car as it moves through the air. Have a look around next time you are in a car. What soundproofing can you see? By replacing metal parts in cars and other machines with parts made of plastics and foams, there is now far less noise than there used to be. According to the passage, what will most probably cause noises? A) Using electric drills. B) Listening to light music. C) Laughing happily D) Playing the piano
A
Many people are aware of the beauty of a solar eclipse , but are surprised to learn that lunar eclipses are often just as impressive. While total solar eclipse lasts only for a few minutes and can be seen only in a small area of a few kilometers, total lunar eclipse can last for several hours and can be seen over much of the planet. In fact, the beauty and _ of lunar eclipses make them a favorite of both amateur and professional photographers. Lunar eclipses generally occur two or three times a year, and are possible only when the Moon is full. When we see the Moon, we are actually seeing sunlight reflected off the surface of the Moon When the Earth is positioned in between the Moon and the Sun, however, the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, and a lunar eclipse occurs. The type of lunar eclipse - total, partial, or penumbral - that occurs depends both on how much of the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow and through which part of the shadow it passes. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's outer shadow. This type of eclipse is brief and frequently goes unobserved by all but astronomers. By contrast, total and partial eclipses occur when all or part, respectively, of the Moon passes through the umbra shadow of the Earth. These eclipses are quite easy to see and are widely observed. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch. Solar radiation that occurs during an eclipse of the Sun can cause a form of burns of one's eyes known as eclipse blindness. In fact, the only way to safely view a solar eclipse is by using specially designed equipment. However, since the Moon's light is reflected sunlight, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse without any special equipment, although a pair of binoculars can certainly help the viewer appreciate the beauty of this phenomenon According to the passage, it is safe to watch a lunar eclipse, unlike a solar eclipse, because _ . A) moonlight is less strong than sunlight B) a lunar eclipse is briefer than a solar eclipse C) a lunar eclipse lasts much longer than a solar eclipse D) special equipment can be employed to view a lunar eclipse
A
Q: Canada, the world's second-largest country, has a massive Atlantic coastline . So, the best way to experience it is by car. One week Cross over to Wolfville and the Bay of Fundy via HWY 12. Spend a day criss-crossing the country roads and grassy hills of Cape Blomidon to catch some of the most impressive views of the Fundy tides . The next day, drive east, stopping at wineries and shopping for unique jams and other local foods at Tangled Garden, where you can also cool down with a herb-flavored ice cream. Drive through the rural roads and maybe get lost on the way to Maitland to sign up for a day of white-water rafting, which can be relaxing and one of the most exciting experiences in your life. On the last day, head back to Halifax via east coast Martinique Beach, one of the longest beaches in Nova Scotia, a beautiful place for stretching legs and bird watching. Two weeks With more time, you can go directly up to Cape Breton, along the circuitous roads of the "Cabot Trail", over high sea vista points, where you have to watch for moose on the road. Those with more time can go to Newfoundland and continue on the "Viking Trail" that links the Gros Morne National Park with Leif Eriksson's historic Viking settlement. When to go Outside of June to October the coast will be extremely cold and most businesses will be shut. Where to stay * Lennox Inn 1791 (Lunenburg): Canada's oldest continually operating hotel. * The Olde Lantern Inn & Vineyard (Grand Pre): in the heart of winery and Fundy tide country. Where to eat * Fleur de Sel (Lunenburg): widely considered this coast's finest restaurant. * Hall's Lobster Pound (Hall's Harbour): pick your lobster, get it boiled and enjoy it on a park bench. If choosing the one-week tour, you are advised to start from _ . A) Wolfville B) Maitland C) The Bay of Fundy D) Halifax
A: D
Q: Dennis Sinar, 51, a doctor from Washington, N. C., is quick to explain why he took a yearlong break from his job. "I was pretty burned out after practicing medicine for 26 years. I needed a recharge." So he took a "gap year", from July 2011 to June 2012, to explore things like ancient buildings, antique restoration, and traditional Eastern medicine, in locations including Alaska, Nepal and Romania. "Taking a break from work is an excellent way for adults to go into a new career or refresh an old one," said Holly Bull, president of the Center for Interim Programs in Princeton, N, J., which sets up gap-year programs. The group works mainly with college-age students, but it has also served older adults since it was formed 28 years ago. "In recent years, mid-career breaks have been gaining more interest," she said. A report on adult gap years published this year by a market research company also described the potential American market for gap years as a "sleeping giant." "A gap year is a challenge for the older individual to step out of a comfort zone and take a risk. I enjoyed that side most." said Dr. Sinar, who kept a daily blog about his experience. His time studying Eastern medicine "reaffirmed the reasons I went into health care," said Dr. Sinar, who returned to practice medicine at his old job, although he works fewer days. "I use those experiences to provide my patients with more care," he added. "And I listen better than I did before." George Garritan, chairman of the Department of Leadership and Human Capital Management at New York University, certainly agrees with Dr. Sinar. He said a gap-year experience could be worthwhile for employees and companies. For employees, investing in themselves and improving skill sets is a move that will benefit throughout their career. He added that returning employees feel refreshed and have given more thought to their career. For companies, offering unpaid leaves makes good sense for attracting and keeping talented employees. "My hope is that this takes off," Dr.... What's George Garritan's attitude toward the "gap year"? A) Unhappy.. B) Positive C) Uninterested. D) Negative.
A: B