People have always been dreaming of going to the moon. As long as the year 1901, H. G. Wells, an English writer, wrote a book vividly describing a trip to the moon. On landing there, the explorers discovered that the moon was full of underground cities. Words failed to express their surprise when they spotted so many "moon people". The "moon people" felt even more surprised. "Why," they asked, "are you traveling to outer space when you don't even use your inner space?" H. G. Wells could only imagine a travel to the moon. In 1969, human beings really left their footsteps on the moon. People today know that there are no underground cities on the moon. However, the question that the "moon people" asked is still an interesting one. A growing number of scientists are seriously thinking about _ . Underground systems are already in place. Many cities have underground car parks. In some cities, such as Tokyo, Seoul and Montreal, there are large underground shopping areas. The "Channel", a tunnel connecting England and France, is now complete. But what about underground cities? Japan's Taisei Corporation is designing a network of underground systems, called "Alice Cities". The designers imagine using surface space for public parks and using underground space for flats, offices, shopping, and so on. A solar dome would cover the whole city. Supporters of underground development argue that building down rather than building up is a good way to use the earth's space. The space, they say, can be used for farms, parks, gardens, and wilderness. H. G. Wells' "moon people" would second it. Would you? What would be the best title of the text? A) Alice Cities -- cities of the future B) Space travel with H. G. Wells C) Enjoy living underground D) Building down, not up
D
(Question)
The morning for our snowmobiling adventure finally arrived, and we set off on the hour-and-a-half drive to the resort . A fresh powder had fallen the night before, and everything was frosted white. We couldn't have asked for more perfect conditions. The sun sparkled on the snow, and the trails were completely empty - not another person or snowmobile in sight. We were thrilled at being the only people for miles around until we got going. As we drove through the deserted wilderness, my excitement became stone-cold fear. I had no idea what I was afraid of, or why I was afraid, but suddenly every turn, every hill, every steep side of the mountain frightened me to death. I kept imagine us crashing headlong into a tree or falling off the side of a drop. But after lunch things changed. We were the only humans who had been there since the snowfall. The peaceful place, the incredible beauty of the landscape, and the almost sacred experience of sharing a mountain with the wildlife touched my very core . My mind cleared and quieted and my muscles relaxed. As we drove the last leg of the run, I began to _ being afraid to drive. Deep down, I wanted to be in charge of the thing that scared me. It made me angry that fear was keeping me from something I really wanted to do. The day was coming to an end, and the resort was only a few miles away. I knew that if I didn't take my chance now, I would regret it. I signaled for my husband to pull over. I wanted to drive, although my heart pounded . I started off slowly and felt the wind in my face. I smiled and sped up a little. With a "Yee-haw!" I went full out, taking my husband on the best ride of the day. We ended the day on that breathless, carefree note, and I felt proud of myself - proud of overcoming my fear. What can be concluded from the article? A) The author was confident as she was driving in the deserted wilderness. B) The author didn't get worried until they started to drive through the deserted wild. C) Realizing that she and her husband were the only people around, the author became anxious. D) The author was so nervous that she almost crashed into a big tree.
(Answer)
B
Ques: Researchers are finding new ways to save snakebite victims.Experts discussed the latest findings during a recent conference. Scientists in Australia have shown that a chemical called nitric oxide could increase the chances of surviving a poisonous snakebite.The scientists injected rats with a deadly amount of snake venom.Then they rubbed an ointment containing nitric oxide on the skin around the injection site.The study found that the rats lived about one-third longer than if nitric oxide had not been used.But the treatment had to be started very quickly. Dirk van Helden led the research.He says the nitric oxide ointment also showed promise in humans.The study appeared earlier this year in the journal Nature Medicine.Scientists say the findings could help save many lives.A recent study found that poisonous snakes cause as many as ninety-four thousand deaths worldwide each year.But Ulrich Kuch of the Biodiversity and Climate Research Center in Frankfurt,Germany,says that number appears to be low. Mr Kuch says many deaths could be _ if snakebite victims are treated correctly,but they often go to traditional healers or do not seek any help at all.He said,"Sometimes it's because there is no treatment available--no antivenom ,which is the specific drug to treat snakebites--or health care staff do not know how to treat snakebites,and sometimes its because transportation to get to a health facility is not available or too expensive. Here is no single antivenom that can be used to treat all snakebites.The antivenom must be specific to the kind of snake that bit the person.In some countries the treatment is costly,while in others there is no such treatment. What is this passage mainly about?( ) A) Snakebite deaths around the world. B) Progress in fighting snakebite deaths. C) Snakebite treatment around the world. D) The chances of surviving a poisonous snakebite.
Ans: B
When I first heard about geocaching ,I was skeptical. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like an interesting idea.I at least wanted to try it once. Having familiarized myself with how the game works,I set out in search of my first cache. My trip took me through a series of lively hutong ,past a number of small temples, and right into the courtyard of a quiet youth hotel.I spent several minutes looking around, but couldn't find anything. Just before l was about to give up,I spotted a colorful object in the crack of a wall. Could it be the hidden cache? At that moment a group of backpackers amved. According to the game's rules, people who are not in the game must not be allowed to find out about secret caches. So I pretended to make a phone call while waiting for them to leave. When the coast was clear,I grabbed the object. It was the cache! I opened it and pulled out a crumpled sheet of paper with several names and celebratory messages written on it.I added my own and replaced the cache in its hiding place, ready for the next geocacher to find. It may seem like a simple game, but the idea that there are caches hidden all around us is exciting. Once you're hooked, it's easy to set yourself the goal of finding every single cache in a neighborhood or even an entire city. The real treasure, however, is not the cache itself, but the places it takes you to. Hunting for further caches has since introduced me to places which I didn't even know existed. Some are peaceful parks, while others are forgotten historical sites.A few caches have even been in places I passed regularly without giving them any thought. Now,Ifeel a much closer connection. Where did the author find the cache? A) In a hutong. B) In a temple. C) In a well. D) In a hotel.
D