Sometime early in the next century, human beings will move to Mars. They will live there for about a year, and then will be replaced with another group of pioneers. Building the base on Mars will advance our knowledge of the solar system and aid in our understanding of the earth.
We already know that Mars resembles the earth in many aspects: general size, presence of water, length of day, range of temperatures. These resemblances have caused many people to consider a centuries-long project: to terraform Mars. Terraforming means altering a planet’s surface so that Earth’s life forms can survive there. This concept, previously found only in science fiction is now being seriously considered by scientists.
Terraforming Mars is theoretically simple: add nitrogen and oxygen to the atmosphere; pump water to the surface; and add the earth’s plants and animals in the order in which they developed on Earth. But it will take at least 300 years.
Some people think that such a project is too huge for humans to undertake, but there are very good reasons to make the attempt. The earth now contains some 6 billion people, and no one has any idea of how many humans the earth can support. Our very existence and numbers are threatening many other species. We also have had some experience with terraforming our own planet: altering the landscape, the atmosphere and the climate. Currently terraforming earth has become a wiser activity as we try to control global warming, air and water pollution, and preserve some natural living places.
While the possibility of such a project is small, it is not impossible .Even if earth –bound societies come and go in the next 300 years, the project can continue through the work of the Mars settlers without the need for constant backing from the earth.
The future existence of all the people in our world may very well depend upon our ability to terraform Mars.
1.What would be the best title for this passage?
A．Terraforming Mars. B．Saving the Earth
C．Travelling to Mars. D．A Newly-found Place
2.What does the underlined word “altering” mean in the second paragraph?
A．Warming. B．Changing. C．Planting. D．Building
3.According to the passage the main purpose of terraforming Mars is to ________.
A．do some scientific research work
B．find out its similarity to earth
C．avoid the dying away of many other species
D．find on Mars living place for the increasing human beings
4.The main reason for causing many people to consider terraforming Mars is that _______.
A．there are some resemblances between Earth and Mars.
B．terraforming Mars is theoretically simple
C．we have had some experience with terraforming our own planet: Earth
D．the development of science and technology is very rapid
5.What’s the author’s attitude towards the project?
A．Optimistic. B．Negative
C．Sceptical（怀疑的） D．Objective.
1.A
2.B
3.D
4.A
5.A
【解析】
试题分析：本文围绕着人类移民火星而展开论述。首先从火星与地球的相似之处讲到移民火星在理论上的 可行性以及搬迁过程，继而又谈论了人类因人口的急剧增加而向外空发展的必要性。最后分析了人类科技的发展和成就大大增加了使火星适合人类居住和人类移民火星的可能性。
1.A主旨大意题。文章首段提出human beings will move to Mars，然后围绕此话题展开论述，所以文章中心应该是将火星地球化问题。所以A选项正确。
2.B词意猜测题。由后句so that Earth’s life forms can survive there.可判断为了让地球上的生命能在火星上存活，就要改变火星上的条件以便更适合地球上生命的生长，所以alter应该是改变的意思。
3.D推理判断题。由第二段Terraforming means altering a planet’s surface so that Earth’s life forms can survive there.可知使火星地球化的目的是让地球上生命能在火星上存活，故D选项正确。
4.A细节理解题。文章第二段Mars resembles the earth in many aspects。。。和 These resemblances have caused many people to consider a centuries-long project: to terraform Mars.，由此可知A选项正确。
5.A推理判断题。A 乐观的；B 否定的；消极的；C 怀疑的；D 客观的。从文章倒数第二段While the possibility of such a project is small, it is not impossible可知作者对此事持乐观态度。
考点：考查科学知识类短文阅读。
中考解读考点精练系列答案科目：高中英语 来源：2010-2011云南武定一中高一下学期期中考试英语试卷 题型：阅读理解
China’s second manned（人造的） space flight will be done by two astronauts（宇航员） over five days in 2005. “Shenzhou-VI will be sent into space sometime in 2005,” said Zuo Saichun, a spokesperson of the China Aerospace Science and Technology (CAST). “The spacecraf
t（宇宙飞船） will make new breakthroughs（突破性进展） in China’s manned space technology.”
Unlike Shenzhou-V, a little more than a year ago (in October, 2003), the next flight will see two astronauts fly in space for five days. Their capsule (太空舱) is designed to be capable（能够）of orbiting（绕轨道运行） for a whole week, the spokesperson said. “For the first time, astronauts will enter and live in the orbital module（舱） of the spacecraft to do scientific experiments,” said a statement from CAST. CAST did not say what those experiments will be.
In Shenzhou-VI, scientists have changed the spacecraft’s configuration (构形) to reduce its weight, and tried to improve the performance of on-board equipment. They have also worked to make sure of the energy supply of the spacecraft and further improve its safety. So far, scientists have worked out ways to solve problems on environmental control and life support. Shenzhou-VI will be sent into orbit atop（在……顶上） a Long March 2F rocket.
Meanwhile, a model of the Chang’e-1 satellite is expected to be sent to orbit the moon in two years. The satellite, part of the three-stage programme, would be followed by the landing of an unmanned vehicle on the moon in the second stage by 2010 and collecting samples（样品） of lunar soil by 2020 in the final stage, according to Sun Laiyan, director of the China National Space Administration.
【小题1】. Which of the following about Shenzhou-VI is NOT true?
A．It will be sent into space in 2005. | B．It is capable of orbiting for two weeks. | C．It will be sent into orbit atop a Long March 2F rocket. | D．It will be sent into space with two astronauts. |
| A．environmental control | B．energy supply | C．life support | D．lunar soil collecting |
| A．Shenzhou-VI’s being sent into space. | B．A model of the Chang’e-1 satellite will be sent to orbit the moon. | C．The landing of an unmanned vehicle on the moon. | D．Collecting samples of lunar soil.  |
| A．some problems need solving before Shenzhou-VI is sent into space | B．Shenzhou-VI will be sent into space in 2005 | C．what China’s space programme is | D．how China’s three-stage programme is carried out |
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There were 42000 people who took part in the bird-watching last Christmas, from December 16 the year before to January 3 next year. They were in the United States and Canada, central America, south America and the Caribbean, watching and counting birds in the sky. The whole viewing area was divided into 1600 points. Each birdwatcher was responsible for 25 meters, and was required to write down the types and quantities of birds within 24 hours.
A birdwatcher described what he had watched vividly in his diary—“ When I looked up, I saw a beautiful ‘landscape’ in the sky: Red-crowned cranes(丹顶鹤) were driving up in cunning wedges that split the air. They were so neatly arranged, coordinating their movements. I was excited and breathtaking. Interestingly, the “human” shape(人字行) always maintains 110° ” .
“Why do red-crowned cranes choose to use ‘human’ shape when flying in formation?” He continued, “In my opinion, there are four reasons: first, the ‘human’ shape can make red-crowned cranes use increasing air which is produced by each other’s wings when they are swinging in the sky. It can increase the glide time and save physical ability. Second, the ‘human’ shape will enhance communication among the birds. The orders and the relevant information issued by the lead bird can be conveyed to each member in this migratory group unimpeded, accurately, rapidly and conveniently. Third, such a formation will help to find the birds left behind because of feeling run down as fast as possible, so that the young, the weak, the sick birds can get everyone’s help and encouragement. Finally, the ‘human’ shape shows not only beauty but also unity. It can give enemies a deterrent.They will be terrified and did not dare to attack the birds.The migration security of the birds will be ensured.”
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49．When did Christmas bird – watching begin?
A．Sometime during Christmas holiday. B．At the beginning of 20th century.
C．In the early 19 th century. D．Since there was Christmas Day
50．What do bird – watchers do when they are bird – watching?
A．They kill birds and beasts. B．They watch birds and beasts.
C．They watch and count birds. D．They look at the sky and write diaries.
51．The following are all reasons for red – crowned cranes flying in “human” shape except .
A．they can help each other and ensure their safety
B．they can communicate with each other in order to reduce tiredness.
C．they can make use of the air produced by each other’s wings.
D．they can look stronger in case they come across enemies
52．This passage consists of five paragraphs. Please arrange the five main ideas of the paragraphs in order of their appearance in the passage.
a. How the bird – watchers divided their watching task and what was done.
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c. Christmas bird – watching is of great importance environmentally and scientifically.
d. A Christmas bird – watcher watched and was amazed by red – crowned cranes.
e. Red – crowned cranes fly in “human” formation for quite good reasons.
A．a – b – c – d – e B．b – c – e – d – a C．b- a – d – e – c D．b – d – e – a – c
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W: Hello, may I speak to Mr. Black, please?
M: Speaking. 1.
W: This is the Town Job Center. We have received your Email 2. .
M: Can you tell me more about it? What kind of jobs? Where?
W: 3. It’s the kind of job you would like to do, as we can see from your Email.
M: Yes, I did put that in my Email.
W: Yes. They also want a person who knows how to operate computer, 4. .
M: What about the pay and the work hours?
W: I am coming to that. The pay they have offered is satisfactory, 5. . Sometime early in the morning, sometimes late in the afternoon.
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W: Why don’t you come over here tomorrow?
M: OK, I’ll do that. See you tomorrow then. Bye!
A. and we would like to make friends with you.
B. and we are quite interested in you.
C. Who are you, please?
D. so we think you are just the right kind of person for the job.
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Dialogue:
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---- Yes, I am. 61 I’m majoring in architecture.
---- I see. Have you ever done any work in this field?
---- No, nothing. We did some practice work in class though.
---- _ 62
---- From what I’ve just read it seems that a starting salary would be around $12,000 a year.
---- Here you would start at $10,500 for the first year— a kind of training period. Then you would go to $15,000. After that our rises will depend on how well you work.
---- 63 What about other benefits, things like vacation?
---- Those are all explained in this introduction. You can take it along and read it at home.
---- What do you think the chances I’ll get a job are?
---- 64 We’ll hire two people.
---- 65 But I guess I’ll just have to go home and wait.
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A , I’ll graduate from college next June.
B , Are you satisfied with your salary here?
C , That sounds fair enough.
D ,Well. I’m talking to three people today and four tomorrow.
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China’s second manned（人造的） space flight will be done by two astronauts（宇航员） over five days in 2005. “Shenzhou-VI will be sent into space sometime in 2005,” said Zuo Saichun, a spokesperson of the China Aerospace Science and Technology (CAST). “The spacecraft（宇宙飞船） will make new breakthroughs（突破性进展） in China’s manned space technology.”
Unlike Shenzhou-V, a little more than a year ago (in October, 2003), the next flight will see two astronauts fly in space for five days. Their capsule (太空舱) is designed to be capable（能够）of orbiting（绕轨道运行） for a whole week, the spokesperson said. “For the first time, astronauts will enter and live in the orbital module（舱） of the spacecraft to do scientific experiments,” said a statement from CAST. CAST did not say what those experiments will be.
In Shenzhou-VI, scientists have changed the spacecraft’s configuration (构形) to reduce its weight, and tried to improve the performance of on-board equipment. They have also worked to make sure of the energy supply of the spacecraft and further improve its safety. So far, scientists have worked out ways to solve problems on environmental control and life support. Shenzhou-VI will be sent into orbit atop（在……顶上） a Long March 2F rocket.
Meanwhile, a model of the Chang’e-1 satellite is expected to be sent to orbit the moon in two years. The satellite, part of the three-stage programme, would be followed by the landing of an unmanned vehicle on the moon in the second stage by 2010 and collecting samples（样品） of lunar soil by 2020 in the final stage, according to Sun Laiyan, director of the China National Space Administration.
1.. Which of the following about Shenzhou-VI is NOT true?
A. It will be sent into space in 2005.
B. It is capable of orbiting for two weeks.
C. It will be sent into orbit atop a Long March 2F rocket.
D. It will be sent into space with two astronauts.
2.. According to the passage, the following problems should be solved before Shenzhou-VI is sent into space EXCEPT ______.
A. environmental control B. energy supply
C. life support D. lunar soil collecting
3.. Which of the following does NOT belong to the three-stage programme?
A. Shenzhou-VI’s being sent into space.
B. A model of the Chang’e-1 satellite will be sent to orbit the moon.
C. The landing of an unmanned vehicle on the moon.
D. Collecting samples of lunar soil.
4.. The passage mainly tells us ______.
A. some problems need solving before Shenzhou-VI is sent into space
B. Shenzhou-VI will be sent into space in 2005
C. what China’s space programme is
D. how China’s three-stage programme is carried out
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