（2011·江西卷）D

Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.

     Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup(基因构成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.

Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.

    Exploration also allows minerals and other potential (潜在的) resources to be found. Even if we have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副产品)  of technological developments in the space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.

While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers. The danger exists, but knowledge can help human being to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.

While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in the future.

71. Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph1?

       A. To express his doubts.

       B. To compare different ideas.

       C. To introduce points for discussion.

       D. To describe the conditions on Earth.

72. What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph2?

       A. Humans are nature-born to do so.

       B. Humans have the tendency to fight.

       C. Humans may find new sources of food.

       D. Humans don’t like to stay in the same place.

73. The underlined word“spin-offs” in Paragraph 4 probably refers to______.

       A. survival chances                                          B. potential resources

       C. unexpected benefits                               D. physical possessions

74. What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets?

       A. O       ur genetic makeup.                             B. Resources on the earth..

       C. The adaptive ability of humans.              D. By-products in space exploration.

75. Which of the statements can best sum un the passage?

       A. Space exploration has created many wonders.

       B. Space exploration provided the best value for money.

       C. Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth.

(2013·高考江西卷)I________to visit you later that day，but I had to phone and cancel.

A．come? B．came

C．am coming? D．was coming

（2011·江西卷）A

“Mum, what does it mean when someone tells you that they have a skeleton（骨骼）in the closet（衣橱）?” Jessica asked. “A skeleton in the closet?” her mother paused thoughtfully. “Well, it’s something that you would rather not have anyone else know about. For example, if in the past, someone in Dad’s family had been arrested for stealing a horse, it would be ‘a skeleton in his family’s closet’. He really wouldn’t want any neighbor to know about it.”

“Why pick on my family?” Jessica’s father said with anger. “Your family history isn’t so good, you know. Wasn’t your great-great-grandfather a prisoner who was transported to Australia for his crimes?” “Yes, but people these days say that you are not a real Australian unless your ancestors arrived as prisoners.” “Gosh, sorry I asked. I think I understand now,” Jessica cut iin before things grew worse.

After dinner, the house was very quiet. Jessica’s parents were still quite angry with each other. Her mother was ironing clothes and every now and then she glared at her husband, who hid behind his newspaper pretending to read. When she finished, she gathered the freshly pressed clothes in her arms and walked to Jessica’s closet. Just as she opened the door and reached in to hang a skirt, a bony arm stuck out from the dark depths and a bundle of white bones fell to the floor. Jessica’s mother sank in a faint（晕倒）, waking only when Jessica put a cold, wet cloth on her forehead. She looked up to see the worried faces of her husband and daughter.

“What happened? Where am I?” she asked. “You just destroyed the school’s skeleton, Mum,” explained Jessica. “I brought it home to help me with my health project. I meant to tell you, but it seemed that as soon as I mentioned skeletons and closets, it caused a problem between you and Dad.” Jessica looked in amazement as her parents began to laugh madly. “They’re both crazy,” she thought.

56.   According to Jessica’s mother, “a skeleton in the close” means ______.

       A.    a family honor                                    B.    a family secret

C.    a family story                                     D.    a family treasure

57.   What can we learn about some Australians’ ancestors form Paragraph 2?

       A.    They were brought to Australia as prisoners.

       B.    They were the earliest people living in Australia.

       C.    They were involved in some crimes in Australia.

       D.    They were not regarded as criminals in their days.

58.   Jessica’s mother fell down into a faint because she was ______.

       A.    knocked         B.    frightened              C.    injured            D.    surprised

59.   Why did Jessica bring a skeleton home?

       A.    She was curious about it.                    B.    She planned to keep it for fun.

       C.    She needed it for her school task.         D.    She intended to scare her parents.

60.   Jessica’s parents laughed madly at the end of the story probably because ______.

       A.    they were crazy

B.    they were over excited

       C.    they realized their misunderstanding

D.    they both thought they had won the quarrel

(2013·高考江西卷)Animals are obviously________lower form of life than________man.

A．a；/? B．the；the

C．a；the? D．/；/

(2013·高考江西卷)Only when he apologizes for his rudeness________to him again.

A．I will speak? B．will I speak

C．do I speak? D．I speak