1、2011高考英语阅读理解分类汇编之科普知识类1.（2011陕西卷）DEver since they were first put on the market in the early 1990s, gentically mondified (GM, 转基因) foods have been increasingly developed and marketed in many countries in the word,mainly on the basis of their promise to end the worldwide food crisis. But can GM techno
2、logy solve world hunger problems? Even if it would ,is it the best solutiorr? Despite what it promiises,GM technology actually has not increased the production potential of any corp. In fact Studies show that the most crown GM croo.GM soybeans, has suffered reduced productivity. For instance, a repo
3、rt than analysed nearly two decades of research on mojor GM food crops shows that GM engineering has failed to significantly increase US crop production.Something else, however, has been on the rise, While GM seeds are expensive, GM companics tell farmers that they will make good profits by saving m
4、oney on pesticides（杀虫剂）. On the contrary, US government data show that GM crops in the US have produced an overall increase in pesticide use compared to traditional crops. “ The promise was that you could use less chemicals and boost production. But nether is true,” said Bill Christison, President o
5、f the US National Farm Coalition.At the same time, the authors of the book World Hunger: Twelve Myths argue that there actually is more than enough food in the world and that the hunger crisis is not caused by production, but by problems in food distribution and politics. These indeed deserve our ef
6、forts and money. Meanwhile, the rise in food prices results from the increased use of crops for fuel rather than food, according to a 2008 World Bank report.As a matter of fact ,scientists see better ways to feed the world. Another World Bank report concluded that GM crops have little to offer to th
7、e challenges of worldwide poverty and hunger, because better ways out are available, among which “green” farming is supposed to be the first choice.57.The author develops the second paragraph mainly . 【C】A. by classification B. by comparison C. by example D. by process 58. What does the underlined w
8、ord “boost ” in the third paragraph probably mean? 【D】A. Control. B. Evaluate C. Obtain. D. Increase.59. GM companies promise farmers that they will benefit from _. 【B】A. practicing “green” farming B. use of less chemicalsC. fair distribution of their crops D. using more crops for fuel60. Which of t
9、he following best describes the attitude of the author towards GM technology?【C】A. Optimistic B. Defensive C. Disapproving D. Casual2.（2011重庆卷）CGetting rid of dirt, in the opinion of most people, is a good thing. However, there is nothing fixed about attitudes to dirt.In the early 16th century, peop
10、le thought that dirt on the skin was a means to block out disease, as medical opinion had it that washing off dirt with hot water could open up the skin and let ills in. A particular danger was thought to lie in public baths. By 1538, the French king had closed the bath houses in his kingdom. So did
11、 the king of England in 1546. Thus began a long time when the rich and the poor in Europe lived with dirt in a friendly way. Henry IV, King of France, was famously dirty. Upon learning that a nobleman had taken a bath, the king ordered that, to avoid the attack of disease, the nobleman should not go
12、 out.Though the belief in the merit of dirt was long-lived, dirt has no longer been regarded as a nice neighbor ever since the 18th century. Scientifically speaking, cleaning away dirt is good to health. Clean water supply and hand washing are practical means of preventing disease. Yet, it seems tha
13、t standards of cleanliness have moved beyond science since World War . Advertisements repeatedly sell the idea: clothes need to be whiter than white, cloths ever softer, surfaces to shine. Has the hate for dirt, however, gone too far?Attitudes to dirt still differ hugely nowadays. Many first-time pa
14、rents nervously try to warn their children off touching dirt, which might be responsible for the spread of disease.On the contrary, Mary Ruebush, an American immunologist(免疫学家)，encourages children to play in the dirt to build up a strong immune system. And the latter position is gaining some ground.
15、64. The kings of France and England in the 16th century closed bath houses because .A. they lived healthily in a dirty environment.B. they thought bath houses were too dirty to stay in C. they believed disease could be spread in public bathsD. they considered bathing as the cause of skin disease65.W
16、hich of the following best describes Henry IVs attitude to bathing?A. Afraid. B. Curious.C. Approving. D. Uninterested.66. How does the passage mainly develop?A. By providing examples.B. By making comparisons.C. By following the order of time.D. By following the order of importance.67. What is the a
17、uthors purpose in writing the passage?A. To stress the role of dirt.B. To introduce the history of dirt.C. To call attention to the danger of dirt.D. To present the change of views on dirt.【答案】CA CD3.（2011湖南卷）CA recent study of ancient and modern elephants has come up with the unexpected conclusion
18、that the African elephant is divided into two distinct (不同的) species The discovery was made by researchers at York and Harvard universities when they were examining the genetic relationship between the ancient woolly mammoth and mastodon to modern elephantsthe Asian elephant, African forest elephant
19、 and African savanna elephant Once they obtained DNA sequences (序列) from two fossils (化石)，mammoths and mastodons the team compared them with DNA from modern elephants. They found to their amazement that modern forest and savanna elephants are as distinct from each other as Asian elephants and mammot
20、hs.The scientists used detailed genetic analysis to prove that the African savanna elephants and the African forest elephants have been distinct species for several million years. The divergence of the two species took place around the time of the divergence of Asian elephants and woolly mammoths. T
21、his result amazed all the scientists.There has long been debate in the scientific community that the two might be separate species but this is the most convincing scientific evidence so far that they are indeed different species. Previously, many naturalists believed that African savanna elephants a
22、nd African forest elephants were two populations of the same species despite the elephants significant size differences. The savanna elephant has an average shoulder height of 3.5metres while the forest elephant has an average shoulder height of 2.5metres. The savanna elephant weighs between six and
23、 seven tons, roughly double the weight of the forest elephant. But the fact that they look so different does not necessarily mean they are different species. However, the proof lay in the analysis of the DNA.Alfred Roca, assistant professor in the department of Animal Sciences at the University of M
24、inois, said, “We now have to treat the forest and savanna elephants as two different units for conservation purpose. Since 1950 all African elephants have been conserved as one species. Now that we know the forest and savanna elephants are two very distinct animals, the forest elephant should become
25、 a bigger priority (优先)for conservation purpose .”66. One of the fossils studied by the researchers is that of _. A. the Asian elephant B. the forest elephant C. the savanna elephant D. the mastodon elephant 67. The underlined word “divergence” in paragraph 4means “_”A. evolution B. exhibition C. se
26、paration D. examination 68. The researchers conclusion was based on a study of the African elephants _ A. DNA B. height C. weight D. population69. What were Alfred Rocas words mainly about? A. The conversation of African elephants. B. The purpose of studying African elephants C. The way to divide Af
27、rican elephants into two units D. The reason for the distinction of African elephants70. Which of the following can be the best title for the passage? A. Naturalists Belief about Elephants. B. Amazing Experiment about Elephants C. An Unexpected Finding about Elephants D. A Long scientific Debate abo
28、ut ElephantsC 科普说明文：African elephant 有两个不同的种类66. fossils 定位，找到第三段第一句，有两种fossils，mam和mas，选项D67. 文中divergence of the two species指代前文the Ase and the Afe have been distinct species, divergence与distinct同义替换，对应选项C68. conclusion, based on定位，找到倒数第二段最后一句lay in 与based on 同义替换，答案：A69. AR定位，找到倒数第一段，从AR的话中，第一句fo
29、r conservation purpose, 最后一句for conservation purpose确定A70.文章首句点明全文主旨，答案：C4.（2011江西卷）DWhy 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 pe
30、ople 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
31、, 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
32、 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. Knowledg
33、e 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 comm
34、unications 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
35、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
36、 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 th
37、e 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
38、. Humans have the tendency to fight.C. Humans may find new sources of food.D. Humans dont like to stay in the same place.73. The underlined word“spin-offs” in Paragraph 4 probably refers to_.A. survival chancesB. potential resourcesC. unexpected benefitsD. physical possessions74. What makes it possi
39、ble for humans to live on other planets?A. Our 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
40、value for money.C. Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth. 解析：71. 推理判断题。答案选C。文章是典型的议论说明文，是提出问题，分析问题的套路。第一段通过提出一系列关于太空探索利弊的问题引发讨论。并不是真的有这些怀疑，也没有鲜明的正反观点，所以AB不对。D偏差较远。72. 主旨题。答案选A。第二段是典型的总分总结构，主旨句在段首段尾。Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup as human beings. 主要原因在于人类
41、基因。Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible. 而B选项错在fight这个词。CD没提及。73. 词义猜测题。选C。根据spin off 前面的we have already benefited from other spin off 关键词 benefit，受益。而spin off后面的including 说的全是获得的利益，如improvements in earthquake prediction. 地震预测的进步等等，而不是什么生存机
42、会，或者潜在资源。所以选C。74. 细节题。答案选C。按照问题顺序一致原则，答案应当出现在最后两段。在最后一段的首句我们找到了一个极端词用以定位。While earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets.直接由翻译可知，人类的适应能力使我们在其他星球的居住成为可能。75. 推理判断题。选D。除去前两段引入，第三段主旨句（首句）的意思是每个文明都会探索周围文明以减低危险，第四段主旨句（首句）说
43、的是探索使得我们能够发现潜在能源。第五段主旨句（首句）说的是探索使得很多人发现解决问题的有用资源。总的来说，就可归结为，太空探索可以帮助我们很多，避免很多问题。5.（2011江苏卷）AWe know the famous onesthe Thomas Edisons and the Alexander Graham Bells but what about the less famous inventors? What about the people who invented the traffic light and the windshield wiper(雨刮器)？Shouldnt w
44、e know who they are?Joan Mclean think so. In fact, Mclean, a professor of physics at Mountain University in Range, feels so strongly about this matter that shes developed a course on the topic. In addition to learning “who”invented”what”, however, Mclean also likes her students to learn the answers
45、to the”why” and ”how” questions. According to Mclean,”When students learn the answers to these questions, they are better prepared to recognize opportunities for inventing and more motivated to give inventing a try.”So,just what is the story behind the windshield wiper? Well,Mary Anderson came up wi
46、th the idea in 1902 after a visit to Mew York City.The day was cold and stormy, but Anderson still wanted to see the sights ,so she jumped aboard a streetcar. Noticing that the driver was struggling to see through the snow covering the winshield,she found hersefe wondering why there couldnt be a buo
47、lt-in devic for cleaing the window. Still wondering about this when she returned home to Birmingham, Alabama, Anderson started drafting out solutions. One of her ideas, a lever(操作杆)on the inside of a vehicle that would contral an arm on the outside, became the first windshield wiper. Today we benefi
48、t from countless inventions and innovations，Its hard to imagine driving without Garrett A.Morgans traffic light. Its equally impossible to picture a world without Katherine J.Blodgetts innovation that makes glass invisible, Can you picture life without clear windows and eyeglasses?56.By mentionong “
49、traffic light”and “windshield wiper”,the author indicates that countless inventions are .A.beneficial,because their inventors are famousB. beneficial,though their inventors are less famousC.not useful, because their inventors are less famousD. not useful, though their inventors are famous57.Professo
50、r Joan McLeans course aims to_.A. add colour and variety to students campus lifeB. inform students of the windshield wipers inventionC. carry out the requirements by Mountain UniversityD. preare students to try theie own invention58Tommy Lees invention of the unbreakable umbrella was _.A. not eventu
51、ally accepted by the umbrella producer B. inspired by the story behind the windshield wiper C. due to his dream of being caught in a rainstormD. not related to Professor Joan McLeans lectures59. Which 0f the following can best serve as the title of this passage?A How to Help Students to Sell Their I
52、nventions to Producers?B How to Design a Built-in Dervice for Cleaning the Window?C Shouldnt We Know Who Inventd the Windshield Wiper?D Shouldnt We Develop Invention Courses in Universities?56. B 推理判断题。根据第一段内容结合下文可推断，作者提到交通信号灯、雨刮器等发明，是想说无数的发明对人类十分有益，虽然它们的发明者没有太大的名气。57. D 细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句可知，John McLea
53、n教授开设这门课程的目的就是让学生有足够的准备去尝试自己发明东西。58. B 细节理解题。根据第三段内容可知，Tommy Lee发明的“不会折断的雨伞”就是受到了雨刮器背后的故事的激励。59. C 主旨大意题。通读全文可知，文章的第一段就是主题段，特别是第一段最后一句充分体现了作者想要表达的心声，接下来的内容都是围绕第一段展开并为第一段服务的。6.（2011江苏卷）CAccording to the US government, wind farms off the Pacific coast could produce 900 gig watts of electricity every y
54、ear.Unfortunately,the water there is far too deep for even the tallest windmills(see picture)to touch bottom. An experiment under way off the coast of Norway,however,could help put them anywhere.The project, called Hywind,is the worlds first large-scale deepwater wind turbine(涡轮发电机).Although it uses
55、 a fairly standard 152-ton,2.3-megawatt turbine,Hywind represents totally new technology. The turbine will be fixed 213 feet above the water on a floating spar(see picture),a technology Hywinds creator,the Norwegian company StatoilHydro,has developed recently. The steel spar, which is filled with st
56、ones and goes 328 feet below the sea surface, will be tied to the ocean floor by three cable(缆索)；these will keep the spar stable and prevent the turbine from moving up and down in the waves.Hywinds stability(稳定性)in the cold and rough sea would prove that even the deepest corners of the ocean are sui
57、table for wind power. If all goes according to plan, the turbine will start producing electricity six miles off the coast of southwestern Norway as early as September.To produce electricity on a large scale, a commercial wind farm will have to use bigger turbines than Hywind does, but its difficult
58、enough to balance such a large turbine so high on a floating spar in the middle of the ocean. To make that turbine heavier, the whole spars to design a new kind of wind turbine, one whose gearbox(变速箱) sits at sea level rather than behind the blades (see picture )Hywind is a test run, but the benefit
59、s for perfecting floating wind-farm technology could be extremely large. Out at sea, the wind is often stronger and steadier than close to shore, where all existing offshore windmills are planted. Deep-sea farms are invisible from land, which helps overcome the windmill-as-eyesore objection. If the
60、technology catches on, it will open up vast areas of the planets surface to one of the best low-carbon power sources available.63. The Hywind project uses totally new technology to ensure the stability of _.A. the cables which tie the spar to the ocean floorB. the spar which is floating in deep-sea
61、waterC. the blades driven by strong and steady sea windD. the stones filled in the spar below the sea surface64. To balance a bigger turbine high on a flatting spar, a new type of turbine is to be designed with its gearbox sitting _.A. on the sea floor B. on the spar topC. at sea level D. behind the
62、 blades65. Wide applications of deepwater wind power technology can _.A. solve the technical problems of deepwater windmillsB. make financial profits by producing more turbinesC. settle the arguments about environmental problemsD. explore low-carbon power resources available at sea63. B 细节理解题。根据第二段倒
63、数第三句可知，该工程采用了全新的技术，是为了确保漂浮在深海水域中的圆材的稳定。64. C 细节理解题。根据第三段最后一句可知，为了使较大的涡轮发电机能在圆材上保持平衡，公司计划设计新的发电机，其变速箱在海平面上。65. D 细节理解题。根据最后一段最后一句可知，深海风能技术的广泛应用可能会在海洋上开发出可使用的低碳能源。7.（2011湖北卷）B Howling is a behavior commonly observed among a wolf nark. An animals, wolves work together to hunt and rely on howling was an
64、 important means of communication each other. There are different explants of a wolfs howl and it appears that there may be more to discover. One theory is that wolves howl to bend better together. Its almost as if howling together helps the pack stay together. Perhaps something similar to people fe
65、eling a sense of involvement with each other when singing a song together . But this theory may be wrong, explains Fred H. Harington, a professor who studies wolf behavior. Indeed, there have been tines when wolves have been seen one moment howling in a exhorts, and the next, quarreling anions each
66、other. It appears that usually the lowest-tanking menthes of the pack may actually be “punished” for Joining in the churs at times. So is howling a way to strcagthen a social boad or just a way to reconfirm status among its members? Why do welves howl for sure?What is cleat, however, is that howling
67、 is often used among packmates to locate each other. Hunting grounds are distant and it happens that woloves may separate from one another at times. When this happens, howling appcars to be an ercellent means of gathering. Howling, interestingly, is a contagious behaviour. When one wolf starts to ho
68、wl, very likely others will follow. This is often seen to occat in the morning, as if wolves were doing some sotr of “roll rall”where wolves all howl togeter to howl, very likely others will follow. This is often seen to occar in the morning, as if wolves were doing w some sotr of “roll call”where w
69、olves all howl together to repotr their pteence.55.What the por similarity between wolves how humaes ting in chorus?A.The act of calling each other.B.the sense of accomplishment.C.The act of hunting for something.D.The sense of belonging to a group.56.Why does Harrington think the“secial boad”theory
70、 may be wrong?A.Wolves separate from each other after howling.B.Wolves tend to protect their hunting grounds.C.Wolves sometimes have quarrels after howling together.D.Wolves of low rank are encouraged to join in the chorus.57.Reseatchers are sure that wolves often howl to_.A.show their ranks B.C.rep
71、otr the missing onesD.express their lonelingess58.“Howling is a contagious behaviour”(in the last paragraph)means_.A.howling is a signal for huntingB.howling is a way of communicationC.howling aften occurs in the morningD.howling spreads from one to another【答案】DCBD8.（2011湖北卷）EWhich are you more like
72、ly to have wath you at sny given mementyour cell phone or your wallet? Soon you may be able to throw your wallet away and pay for things with a quick wave of your smart phone over an electroue scannet.In January, Starbucks announced that customers could start using their phones to buy coffee in 6,80
73、0 of its states. This is the first pay by phone practice in the U.S., but were likely to see more witeless payment alternatives as something called ucar field communcation(NFC)GETS IN TO Americas consumet electanies. Last Deccmbet some new smart phanes which cantain an NFC chip were introduced to th
74、e midlit.Already in use in part of Asia and Europe, NFCtheir plan a few incees live a payment tetminal a one a few ptaht need to be worked out, like who will get to collect the profitable trunsacian(交易)fees. Although some credit card providers have been experimenting with wave and pay systems that u
75、se NFC enabled credit cards, cellphone service providers truay try to mused their way into the point of sale (POS)market. Three big gellphone service providers have formed a joinf tenture(合资企业)that will go into opention over the next i15 months. Its goal is“to lead the U.S. payments industry from ca
76、rds to mobile phone.”The other big NFC sue, apart from how paymeats will be processed, is security, For instance, whats to stop a thief from digitally pickpocketing you? “Were still not at the point where an attacker can just brush against yee in a crowd and steal all the money out of your phone,”sa
77、ys Jimmy Shah. A mobile security rescarcher, “Usera may also be able to set transaction timeits,requiring a password to be enteced for larger putchases.Bus siness? Keep in mund you lost your smart phone, it can be located on a located on a map and remotely ned Plus, your phone can be password protec
78、ted, Your wallet isnt.67.What is predicted to happen in the U.S.?A.The expansion of cellphone companices.B. The boom of pay by phone business.C. The dissppearanceof credit cards.D. The increase of Starbucks sales.s68.The NFC technology can be used to_.A. ensure the safety of shoppersB. collect trans
79、action fees easilyC. make purchase faster and smplerD. improve the quality of cellphones69.Three cellphone service providers form a joint venture to_.A. strengthen their relationshipB .get a share in the payments industryC .sell more cellphonesD. test the NFC teehnoingy70.According to the what can u
80、sers do if they lose their smart phones?A. Stop the luneting of niet phones.B .Stop a passwant.C .Cat all the money out of their phones.D. Can large purchases.【答案】BCBA9.（2011广东卷）BCan dogs and cats live in perfect harmony in the same home? People who are thinking about adopting a dog as a friend for
81、their cats are worried that they will fight. A recent research has found a new recipe of success. According to the study, if the cat is adopted before the dog, and if they are introduced when still young (less than 6 months for cats, a year for dogs), it is highly probable that the two pets will get
82、 along swimmingly. Two-thirds of the homes interviewed reported a positive relationship between their cat and dog.However, it wasnt all sweetness and light. There was a reported coldness between the cat and dog in 25% of the homes, while aggression and fighting were observed in 10% of the homes. One
83、 reason for this is probably that some of their body signals were just opposite. For example, when a cat turns its head away it signals aggression, while a dog doing the same signals submission.In homes with cats and dogs living peacefully, researchers observed a surprising behaviour. They are learn
84、ing how to talk each others language. It is a surprise that cats can learn how to talk dog, and dogs can learn how to talk Cat.Whats interesting is that both cats and dogs have appeared to develop their intelligence. They can learn to read each others body signals, suggesting that the two may have m
85、ore in common than was preciously suspected. Once familiar with each others presence and body language, cats and dogs can play together, greet each other nose to nose, and enjoy sleeping together in the sofa. They can easily share the same water bowl and in some cases groom(梳理) each other.The signif
86、icance of this research on cats and dogs may go beyond pets-to people who dont get along, including neighbors, colleagues at work, and even world superpowers. If cats and dogs can learn to get along, surely people have a good chance.31. The underlined word swimmingly in paragraph1 is closest in mean
87、ing to_.A. early B.sweetly C.quickly D. smoothly32. Some cats and dogs may fight when_.A. they are cold to each other B. they look away from each otherC. they misunderstand each others signalsD. they are introduced at an early age33. What is found surprising about cats and dogs?A. They eat and sleep
88、 togetherB. They observe each others behaviorsC. They learn to speak each others languageD. They know something from each others voice34. It is suggested in paragraph 4 that cats and dogs_.A. have common interests B. are less different than was thoughtC. have a common body langageD. are less intelli
89、gent than was expected35. What can we human beings learn from cats and dogs?A. We should learn to live in harmonyB. We should knows more about animalsC. We should live in peace with animalsD. We should learn more body languages【文章大意】本文是一篇说明文。通过科学研究表明猫和狗在一定的情况下是能够和平相处的。如果先收养猫并且猫不到6个，狗不到一年，他们就能顺利地和平相处
90、。通过观察他们不能和平相处的原因是他们之间误解了彼此的身势语而造成的。但有趣的是猫和狗能够相互学习彼此的身势语，这样他们就能和平相处。31.D考查推测词义。如果先收养猫并且猫不到6个，狗不到一年，他们就能顺利的和平相处。2/3被采访的家庭也表明这样的结果。32. C考查细节理解。根据第二段while aggression and fighting were observed in 10% of the homes. One reason for this is probably that some of their body signals were just opposite.可知选C。33
91、.C考查细节理解。根据文章第三段In homes with cats and dogs living peacefully, researchers observed a surprising behaviour. They are learning how to talk each others language.可知C正确。34. B考查细节理解。根据文章第四段中的They can learn to read each others body signals, suggesting that the two may have more in common than was precious
92、ly suspected.可知B正确。35. A考查推理判断。根据文章的最后一段可知，在动物王国，人们公认的猫和狗都能和平相处，何况人呢？10.（2011浙江卷）AOne evening in February 2007 . a student named Paula Ceely brought her car to a stop on a remote in Wales . She got out to open a metal gate that blocked her path . Thats when she heard the whistle sounded by the drive
93、r of a train.Her Renault Clio parked across a railway line. Second later,she watched the train drag her car almost a kilometre down the railway tracks. Ceelys near miss made the news because she blamed it on her GPS device(导航仪).She had never driven the route before .It was dark and raining heavily .
94、 Ceely was relying on her GPS. But it made no mention of the crossing .I put my complete trust in the device and it led me right into the path of a speeding train ,she told the BBC. W ho is to blame here ? Rick Stevenson ,who tells Ceelys story in his book When Machines Fail US, finger at the limita
95、tions of technology. We put our faith in digital devices, he says, but our digital helpers are too often not up to the job. They are filled with small problems. And its not just GPS devices: Stevenson takes us on a tour of digital disasters involving everything from mobile phones to wireless key boa
96、rds. The problem with his argument in the book is that its not clear why he only focuses digital technology,while there may be a number of other possible causes. A map-maker might have left the crossing off a paper map. Maybe we should blame Ceely for not paying attention. perhaps the railway author
97、ities are at fault for poor signaling system. Or maybe someone has studied the relative dangers and worked out that there really is something specific wrong with the CPS equipment. But Stevenson doesnt say.Its a problem that runs through the book. In a section on cars, Stevenson gives an accout of t
98、he advanced techniques that criminals use to defeat computer-based locking systems for cars. He offers two independent sets of figures on car theft; both show a small rise in some parts of the country. He says that once once again not all new locks have proved reliable. Perhaps, but maybe its also d
99、ue to the shortage of policemen on the streets. Or changing social circumstances. Or some combination of these factors .The game between humans and their smart devices is complex. It is shaped by economics and psychology and the cultures we live in. Somewhere in the mix of those forces there may be
100、way a wiser use of technology. If there is such a way, it should involve more than just an awareness of the shortcomings of our machines. After all, we have lived with them for thousands of years. They have probably been fooling us for just as long .41.WhatdidPaulaCeelythinkwasthecauseofheraccident?
101、A.Shewasnotfamiliarwiththeroad.B.Itwasdarkandrainingheavilythen.C. The railway works failed to give the signal.D. Her GPS device didnt tell her about the crossing42.Thephrase” nearmiss”(paragraph2)canbestbereplacedby_.A.closebitB.heavylossC.narrow escapeD.bigmistake43.WhichofthefollowingwouldRickSte
102、vensonmostprobablyagreewith?A. Moderntechnologyiswhatwe cantlivewithout.B.Digitaltechnologyoftenfalls shortofoutexpectation.C.Digitaldevicesaremore reliablethantheyusedtobe.D.GPSerrorisnottheonly causeforCelerysaccident.44.In the writers opinion, Stevensons argument is_.A. one-sided B. reasonable C.
103、puzzling D.well-based45.What is the real concern of the writer of this article?A.The major causes of traffic accidents and car thefts.B.The relationship between humans and technologyC.Theshortcomingsofdigital devicesweuse.D.Thehuman unawarenessoftechnicalproblems.【答案】DCBAB11.（2011上海卷）(C)Human remain
104、s of ancient settlements will be reburied and lost to science under a law that threatens research into the history of humans in Britain, a group of leading archaeologists(考古学家) says. I a letter addressed to the justice secretary, Ken Clarke, 40 archaeologists write of their “deep and widespread conc
105、ern” about the issue. It centers on the law introduced by the Ministry of Justice in 2008 which requires all human remains unearthed in England and Wales to be reburied within two years, regardless of their age. The decision means scientists have too little time to study bones and other human remain
106、s of national and cultural significance.“Your current requirement that all archaeologically unearthed human remains should be reburied, whether after a standard period of two years or further special extension, is contrary to basic principles of archaeological and scientific research and of museum p
107、ractice,” they write. The law applies to any pieces of bone uncovered at around 400 dig sites, including the remains of 60 or so bodies found at Stonehenge in 2008 that date back to 3,000 BC. Archaeologists have been granted a temporary extension to give them more time, but eventually the bones will
108、 have to be returned to the ground.The arrangements may result in the waste of future discoveries at sites such as Happisburgh in Norfolk, where digging is continuing after the discovery of stone tools made by early humans 950,000 years ago. If human remains were found at Happisburgh, they would be
109、the oldest in northern Europe and the first indication of what this species was. Under the current practice of the law those remains would have to be reburied and effectively destroyed.Before 2008, guidelines allowed for the proper preservation and study of bones of sufficient age and historical int
110、erest, while the Burial Act 1857 applied to more recent remains. The Ministry of Justice assured archaeologists two years ago that the law was temporary, but has so far failed to revise it.Mike Parker Pearson, an archaeologist at Sheffield University, said: “Archaeologists have been extremely patien
111、t because we wee led to believe the ministry was sorting out this problem, but we feel that we cannot wait any longer.”The ministry has no guidelines on where or how remains should be reburied, or on what records should be kept.72. According to the passage, scientists are unhappy with the law mainly
112、 because _.A. it is only a temporary measure on the human remainsB. it is unreasonable and thus destructive to scientific researchC. it was introduced by the government without their knowledgeD. it is vague about where and how to rebury human remains73. Which of the following statements is true acco
113、rding to the passage?A. Temporary extension of two years will guarantee scientists enough time.B. Human remains of the oldest species wee dug out at Happisburgh.C. Human remains will have to be reburied despite the extension of time.D. Scientists have been warned that the law can hardly be changed.7
114、4. What can be inferred about the British law governing human remains?A. The Ministry of Justice did not intend it to protect human remains.B. The Burial Act 1857 only applied to remains uncovered before 1857.C. The law on human remains hasnt changed in recent decades.D. The Ministry of Justice has
115、not done enough about the law.75. Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?A. New discoveries should be reburied, the government demands.B. Research time should be extended, scientists require.C. Law on human remains needs thorough discussion, authorities say.D. Law could bury a
116、ncient secrets for ever, archaeologists warn.【答案】12.（2011上海卷）(B)Humpback whalesQuick FactsSize: 14m-18m in length; 30-50 tons in weightLiving: Open ocean and shallow coastlinewatersEnvironment: From warm tropical(热带的) waters, where they breed, to cold polar waters, where they eatDiet: Shellfish, pla
117、nts and fish of small sizeHunting: Sometimes in groups, in which several whales form a circle under the water, blowing bubbles that form a “net” around a school of fish. The fish are then forced up to the surface in a concentrated mass.Current state; endangered; it is estimated that there are about
118、5000-7500humpback whales worldwideBlowhole dorsal fintail flukes Pectoral finHumpback whales are sometimes called performers of the ocean. This is because they can make impressive movements when they dive. The name “humpback”, whichis the common name for this whale, refers to the typical curve shape
119、 the whales back forms as it dives. Sometimes the humpback will dive with a fantastic movement known as a breach. During breaching the whaleuses its powerful tail flukes to lift nearly two-thirds of its body out of the water in a giant leap. A breach might alsoinclude a sideways twist with fins stre
120、tched out like wings,as the whale reaches the height of the breach.A humpback whale breathes air at the surface of the Water through two blowholes which are located near the topof the head. It blows a double stream of water that can riseup to 4 meters above the water.The humpback has a small dorsal
121、fin located towardsthe tail flukes about two-thirds of the way down its back.other distinguishing features include large pectoral fins,which may be up to a third of the body length, and uniqueblack and white spots on the underside of the tail flukes. These markings are like fingerprints: no two are
122、the same.Humpback whales live in large groups. They communicate with each other through complex “songs”.69. According to Quick Facts, a humpback whale _.A. cannot survive in waters near the shoreB. doesnt live in the same waters all the timeC. lives mainly on underwater plantsD. prefers t work alone
123、 when hunting food70. To make a breach, a humpback whale must _A. use its tail flukes to leap out of the water B. twist its body sideways t jump highC. blow two streams of waterD. communicate with a group of humpbacks71. From the passage we can learn that a humpback whale _.A. has its unique marking
124、s on its tail flukesB. has black and white fingerprints C. gets its name from the way it huntsD. is a great performer due to its songs【答案】BAA13.（2011全国II）B For those who study the development of intelligence（智力）in the animal world, self-awareness is an important measurement. An animal that is aware（
125、意识）of itself has a highlevel of intelligence.Awareness can be tested by studying whether the animal recognizes itself in the mirror, that is, its own reflected image（反射出的影像）Many animals fail this exercise bitterly, paying very little attention to the reflected image. Only humans, and some intelligen
126、t animals like apes and dolphins, have been shown to recognize that the image in the mirror is of themselves.Now another animal has joined the club. In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers report that an Asian elephant has passed the mirror self-reflection test. We though
127、t that elephants were the next important animal, said Diana Reiss of the Wildlife Conservation Society, an author of the study with Joshua M. Plotnik and Fans BM. de Waal of Emory University. With their large brains, Reiss said, elephants seemed like cousins to apes anddolphins.The researchers teste
128、d Happy, Maxine and Patty, three elephants at the Bronx Zoo. They putan 8-foot-square mirror on a wall of the animals play area (out of the sight of zoo visitors) and recorded what happened with cameras, including one built in the mirror.The elephants used their long noses to find what was behind it
129、, and to examine parts of their bodies. Of the three, Happy then passed the test, in which a clear mark was painted on one side of her face. She could tell the mark was there by looking in the mirror, and she used the mirror to touch the mark with her long nose.Diana Reiss said, We knew elephants we
130、re intelligent, but now we can talk about their intelligence in a better way.45. What can mirror tests tell us about animals? A. Whether they have large brains. B Whether they have self-awareness. C. Whether they enjoy outdoor exercises. D. Whether they enjoy playing with mirrors.46. Why does the au
131、thor mention apes and dolphins in the text? A. They are most familiar to readers. B They are big favorites with zoo visitors. C. They are included in the study by Reiss. D. They are already known to be intelligent.47. What made Happy different from Maxine and Patty? A. She used her nose to search be
132、hind the mirror. B. She recognized her own image in the mirror. C. She painted a mark on her own face. D. She found the hidden camera.【答案】BDB14.（2011四川卷）CThe pound new Library of Birmingham（LoB）will be the most visible sign of the way the city is accepting the digitalization（数字化）of everyday life.Set
133、 to open in 2013, the 188m LoB is already beginning to tale shape next to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, with which it will share some equipment.As digital media（媒介）is important to its idea. the project is already providing chances for some of the many small new local companies working at the new
134、 technologies.Brian Gambles, the LoB project director, says it is about giving people the right tools for learning,“The aim is to mix the physical with the digital. Providing 24-hour services which can be used through, many different ways. It is important to enable us to reach more people, more effe
135、ctively.”The digital library will, he says, be as important as the physical one, allowing the distant use of the services, making sure that it is never closed to the public.Even before the LoB is complete, the public has been able to go online to visit the Virtual（虚拟的）LoB, designed by Baden, the Bir
136、mingham virtual worlds specialists. Not only have the public been able to learn about LoB, but the virtual one has also enabled those working on the LoB to understand the building and how it will work before it even opens.Two other small Birmingham-based digital companies are working on the LoB proj
137、ects. Substrat, a digital design company, is developing what it calls an example of an “enlarged reality” project. It is about the use of an exciting smart phone, an important part of the which is the early stages of development is an online library of figures of the city being built up by a content
138、 company in Cahoots, in which users with the encouraged to add to and comment on the material. Gambles says: “Technology will enable us to make the librarys and services open to citizens as sever before.”49.The underline part “its idea” in Paragraph 3 refers to the idea of_ A. the equipment B. the p
139、roject C. the digital media D. the physical library50.While visiting the Virtual LoB, the public can_ A. get a general idea of the LoB B. meet more world-famous experts C. learn how to put up a library building D. understand how the specialists work on the project51.Which of the following is true of
140、 the LoB when it opens?a. It offers better learning toolsb. It reaches users in different waysc. It provides users with smart phoned. It allows users to enrich its materiale. It gives non-stop physical and digital servicesA. a, b, d B. a, c ,e C. b, c, d D. b, d, e52.This ext more from .A. a put boo
141、k B. a library guideC. a handbook D. newspaper report【答案】BA AD15.（2011福建卷）EThe internet will open up new vistas (前景),creat the global village- -you can make new friends all around the world. That,at least, is what it promised us. The difficulty is that It did not take the human mind into account. Th
142、e reality is that we cannot keep relationship than a limited number of people. No matter how hard the internet tries to putYou in communication, its best efforts will be defeated by your mind.The problem is twofold（双重的）. First, there is a limit on the number of people we can hole in mind and have a
143、meaningful relationship with. That number is about 150 and is set by the size of our brain. Second, the quality of your relationships depends on the amount of time you invest （投入） in then. We invest a lot in a small number of people and then distribute whats left among as many others as we can. The
144、problem is that if we invest little time in a person, our engagement with that person will decline （减弱）until eventually it dies into “someone I once knew”.This is not, of course, to say that the internet doesnt serve a socially valuable function. Of course it does. But the question is not that it al
145、lows you to increase the size of your social circle to include the rest of the world, but that you can keep your relationships with your existing friends going even though you have to more to the other side of the world.In one sense, thats a good thing. But it also has a disadvantage. If you continu
146、e to invest in your old friends even though you can no longer see then, then certainly you arent using your time to make new friends where you now live. And I suspect that probably isnt the best use of your time. Meaningful relationships are about being able to communicate with each other, face to f
147、ace. The internet will slow down the rate with which relationships end, but it wont stop that happening eventually.72. What is stressed in the first paragraph?A. The present situation of the internet.B. The difficulty in communication on the internet.C. The socially valuable function of the internet
148、.D. The role of the human mind in the internet communication.73. The underlined word “engagement” in the second paragraph probably means “_”.A. appointment B. connection C. interview D. agreement74. According to the passenger, the author holds the view that_.A. the internet fails to play so valuable
149、 a role in communication as it promisedB. the internet determines the quality of social relationshipsC. the internet greatly increases the size of social circlesD. the internet communication is no less effective than the face-to-face talk75. What is the authors attitude towards the use of the internet to strengthen relationships?A. He is uncertain about it. B. He is hopeful of it.C. He approves of it. D. He doubts it.【答案】DBAD