DNA analysis has revealed family relationships between more than 10 generations of Stone Age people at megalithic (巨石的) tombs in Ireland and Sweden.
The evidence suggests that megaliths, prehistoric large stone structures, sometimes acted as graves for family groups in northwestern Europe thousands of years ago. The latest findings throw new light on the origins and social structure of the groups that built megaliths in this region—a history that has long been hidden in mystery.
For their study, the international team of researchers analyzed the genomes—the complete set of genetic material in a cell—of 24 Stone Age individuals from five megalithic burial sites in Ireland, Scotland and Gotland, a large Swedish island in the Baltic Sea.
This analysis showed that many of the individuals buried at each megalith, who all lived between 3,800 B.C. and 2,600 B.C., according to radiocarbon-dating of their remains, were closely related via family ties.
The results also showed that the individuals buried at the megaliths were related to Neolithic farmers in northern and western Europe but genetically distinct from other hunter-gatherers. This was particularly noticeable at the Ansarve site on the island of Gotland.
“The people buried in the Ansarve tomb are remarkably different on a genetic level compared to the individuals dug out from hunter-gather contexts, showing that the burial tradition in this megalithic tomb, which lasted for over 700 years, was performed by distinct groups with roots in the European Neolithic expansion,” Magdalena Fraser, co-first author from Uppsala University, said in the statement.
1.What’s the significance of the new findings?
A. It reveals the family ties between people in Ireland and Sweden.
B. It implies that many people buried in the tombs were closely related.
C. It indicates the long-hidden mystery concerning DNA analysis.
D. It suggests that the megaliths became tombs thousands of years ago.
2.How did the researchers reach their findings?
A. By interviewing individuals. B. By travelling to different regions.
C. By analyzing genes. D. By studying the burial sites.
3.Which is true according to the latest findings?
A. Some people buried in the tombs were related to farmers.
B. Few people buried in the tombs were genetically different.
C. All the people buried at megaliths had family relationships.
D. People buried in the Ansarve tomb were dug out 700 years later.
4.What’s the main idea of this passage?
A. Megaliths served as tombs thousands of years ago.
B. People buried at the megaliths were recently analyzed.
C. Latest findings shed light on a mystery about burials.
D. Stone-Age people in Ireland and Sweden had close ties.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Being highly successful in any field is pretty rare. It takes a combination of natural talent, luck, determination, and plenty of outside support for someone to make it big in sports, entertainment, or business. But what if competing is all that matters to you, whether you are likely to succeed or not? This was the goal of Michael Eddie the Eagle Edwards, and that he reached that goal was an amazing achievement.
Born in the U.K. in 1963, Michael was an enthusiastic downhill skier whose dream was to compete for Britain in world-class competitions. He would have liked to represent his country in the 1984 Winter Olympics, but there were a large number of downhill competitors, and Edwards didn't qualify. Seeing his chance elsewhere, he switched to ski jumping. Ski jumping didn't cost nearly as much, and there was almost no competition for a place on the Britain team.
But number of hurdles (障碍)could have meant the end of Edwards' dream. He weighed more than most competitors, which put him at a disadvantage. He had no financial support for his training. Poor eyesight meant that he had to wear glasses under his goggles (护目镜)- not a good thing when they steamed up at high altitudes. But he couldn't let any of this discourage him. He saw himself as a true lover of the sport who simply wanted the chance to compete. Winning wasn't the point. Having the opportunity to try was all he cared about. And nothing could stop him from trying.
In the end, Edwards took 55th place in the 1987 World Championships. He then went on to the Calgary Olympics in 1988, where he finished last in both of his events. Many athletes would have been embarrassed by this result, but he is proud of his achievement to this day. His determination to fight against all the odds made him a global hero, and in 2016, the inspiring film Eddie the Eagle was made about his life.
1.What is the purpose of the first paragraph?
A. To add some background information.
B. To uncover the secret of success.
C. To expect an answer from readers.
D. To introduce the topic.
2.Why did Michael Edwards choose ski jumping?
A. It took less skill.
B. The equipment was cheaper.
C. There was little competition.
D. It was easy to win the championship.
3.After the Calgary Olympics, Edwards _________.
A. felt he had reached his goal
B. was embarrassed by his results
C. switched to film making
D. was glad it was over
4.What made Michael Edwards outstanding?
A. His determination to win.
B. His enthusiasm for the sport.
C. His attitude towards the Olympics.
D. His ability to overcome physical disabilities.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
If you're looking to fully experience Africa's breathtaking scenery, and have an eye for adventure, then there's only one place to be. Here, inside Africa picks four of the best hikes from across the continent.
1.Kilimanjaro
Make it to the top of Tanzania's 5,895-meter Kilimanjaro, and you'll be standing at Africa's highest point. The mountain is Africa's most-visited hiking destination, attracting tens of thousands of tourists and adventures every year.
You don't have to a technical climber to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; you just need not be pretty physically fit. There are six routes to choose from difficulty, scenery and success. No special equipment
2.Atlas mountains
The High Atlas is an impressive mountainous range in central Morocco that hosts North Africa's highest peak. Mount Toubkal, at 4,165 meters. There's a variety of routes to follow during your climb but inexperienced climbers should note that the hike through the mountain's challenging zones is quite demanding.
3.Mount Kenya
A long-extinct volcano. Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest peak, at 5,199 meters.
Lying just south of the equator, the mountain's deep valleys and diverse wildlife will guarantee you wonderful scenery and a fantastic hiking experience.
The climb, however, to the mountain's steep ice-capped peaks is quite challenging, making it the most technical, probably, in that East African area.
4.Mount Meru
Mount Meru may forever exist in the shadow of its neighbor, Kilimanjaro, but Tanzania's second-highest mountain (4,565 meters) has its own devotees.
It's less known, but Mount Meru is for the true enthusiast who wants to experience what very few people actually do.
Mount Meru is often used by mountaineers to accustom themselves before trying to conquer Kilimanjaro, or by those wanting a hike with the local Massai.
1.What do we know about Kilimanjaro?
A. It's comparatively easy to climb.
B. It's Africa's second highest mountain.
C. Its six routes are equally difficult.
D. It lies to the east of Tanzania.
2.Why do mountaineers climb Mount Meru first before they do Kilimanjaro?
A. To avoid big crowds of climbers. B. To hike with the local Massai.
C. To get used to the situation. D. To experience what most people do.
3.Which is the lowest of the four?
A. Kilimanjaro B. Atlas mountains
C. Mount Kenya D. Mount Meru
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The world's first hydrogen-powered trains have begun running in Germany. They began carrying passengers Monday in Germany's northern Lower Saxony state. The new train will run 100-kilometer trips and can travel up to 140 kilometers an hour.
A French railroad company called Alstom built the two trains. Team in Germany and France cooperated on the project, which was supported by the German government. The new train model ,called the Coradia ilint, signals the beginning of efforts in Germany and other nations to move away from pollution-producing diesel(柴油) trains.
The Coradia iLint is designed to run on non-electrified train lines with low levels of noise.
It uses a process that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electrical power. If the system produces more energy than the train needs at that time, it can store the extra energy in batteries. The only emissions (排放物) are water and steam.
A single tank of hydrogen can run a Coradia iLint train for about 1,000 kilometers. This is very similar to the distance a diesel-powered train can run on with a single tank.
Hydrogen-powered trains cost more than diesel trains to build. But Alstom officials say the operating costs are much lower. The company plans to provide another 14 Coradia iLint trains to Lower Saxony by 2021.
The head of railroad operations in the area, Carmen Schwab, praised replacing diesel trains with hydrogen. She said the move was an important first step in using clean-burning technologies to reach climate protection goals.
Officials say the area's many wind turbines (涡轮机)will produce part of the energy to create the hydrogen to power the trains.
Alstom says several other European countries have also expressed interest in developing hydrogen train systems. France has already said it wants its first hydrogen train to be operating by 2022.
1.Why did Germany build the new trains?
A. To replace diesel trains.
B. To carry more passengers.
C. To make traveling much easier.
D. To develop friendship with France.
2.What is one advantage of the Coradia iLint?
A. It runs without making any noise.
B. It doesn't use electrical power.
C. It costs much less to run.
D. It is cheaper to make it.
3.It can be concluded that hydrogen trains________.
A. are widely used
B. are environmentally friendly
C. can stop air pollution
D. can produce water and oxygen
4.What might be the best title for the text?
A. Saving Natural Resources
B. Efforts to Reduce Emissions
C. World's First Hydrogen Trains
D. A New Way to Make Electricity
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入 1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
The Forbidden City in Beijing, home to the Palace Museum, houses more than 1.8 million cultural relics and is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions.
1. (mark) the 600th anniversary of the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum will hold a series of events throughout 2020. Over 20 exhibitions will be held, 2. (cover) different areas such as history, art, festivals, and so on. For the special occasion, Along the River during the Qingming Festival, one of China’s most 3. (wide) known masterpieces, will go on display in September 2020. For 4. (it) best preservation, this treasured artwork is seldom fully exhibited. The painting 5. (display) for the first time back in 2005 to celebrate the museum’s 80th anniversary. Such 6. rare sight is expected to draw huge crowds. In addition, the museum will also display exhibits from other 7. (country).
During the past few years, the Palace Museum has been working hard to get the public familiar 8. the history and culture of the Forbidden City. And it seems that these efforts have been paying off, with its 9. (popular) reaching a new height. Over 17 million people visited the museum in 2018, of 10. 40 percent were under 30 years old.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
I had driven home to celebrate my 38th birthday with my mother. When I arrived, I found her _______ proudly at the kitchen table, a chocolate cake and two boxes wrapped orange ribbon (丝带) in front of her. “Happy birthday!” she said, _______ at the boxes. “Open them.”
As she knows me _______ than anyone, she’d gotten me exactly what I wanted—running clothes. I _______ her and thanked her and proceeded(接着) to eat the cake.
“Too many _______,” I said, not really caring.
“You’ll run them off tomorrow,” Mom said.
Many adult children with a parent suffering from _______ memory will tell you there was one day that _______ to them that their relationship with their mother or father would be forever changed.
For me that day _______ two weeks later, when I drove back for another short _______. I came upon exactly the same ________: my mom sitting at the kitchen table; a chocolate cake resting next to two ________ wrapped in curly ribbon. The ribbon was green this time. That was the only ________ “Happy birthday!” my mom said.
I was totally ________. “What’s going on?” I asked.
Mom smiled. “Can’t I celebrate my daughter’s birthday?”
This was no ________. This was real life, and since my mother clearly only wanted to make me ________, I pushed aside my fear and fulfilled my role as the ________ daughter. I hugged her, thanked her and ________ the clothes... I did not mention to her that we’d done all this two ________ ago.
My house is her world now. My mother and I have the ________ conversation roughly 10 times a day. ________, I consider it a pleasure, because every minute is new for her.
1.A.cooking B.sitting C.singing D.dancing
2.A.shouting B.running C.staring D.gesturing
3.A.earlier B.longer C.better D.less
4.A.paid B.hugged C.comforted D.ignored
5.A.calories B.presents C.decorations D.candles
6.A.sad B.lasting C.failing D.past
7.A.signaled B.added C.appealed D.contributed
8.A.ended B.came C.changed D.disappeared
9.A.memory B.birthday C.party D.visit
10.A.day B.idea C.scene D.celebration
11.A.boxes B.bags C.dresses D.hats
12.A.color B.choice C.attraction D.difference
13.A.moved B.confused C.embarrassed D.excited
14.A.pleasure B.trouble C.trick D.end
15.A.happy B.shocked C.puzzled D.upset
16.A.friendly B.successful C.forgetful D.grateful
17.A.admired B.washed C.declined D.wrapped
18.A.days B.weeks C.months D.years
19.A.previous B.annoying C.only D.same
20.A.Therefore B.Instead C.However D.Moreover
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Imagine an area 34 times the size of Manhattan. Now imagine it covered ankle-deep in plastic waste—a total of about 19 billion pounds of garbage. 1..
“We’re being overwhelmed(淹没) by our waste,”said Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineer who led the 2015 study that determined this astonishing number. 2., unless something is done to stop the tide of garbage.
Plastic—a widely-used material—has in many ways been a benefit to humans but it has also caused a growing problem. Today, plastics are the No.1 type of garbage found in the sea. Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit that organizes an annual coastal cleanup event worldwide, said plastic waste makes up around 85 percent of the garbage collected from beaches and oceans.
Ocean Conservancy says plastics are believed to threaten(威胁)at least 600 different wildlife species(物种). 3.; a growing body of evidence suggests humans are consuming plastics through the seafood we eat. A research suggests some plastics could be poisonous to humans, and could potentially increase the risk of health problems.
4.. At the Economist World Ocean Summit this week, ten nations announced to reduce plastic sea liter as part of UN Environment's CleanSeas campaign. 5.Corporations also have a role, as do individuals. We can start by thinking twice before using single-use plastic products—and when we do use them, we should take care to properly throw them off or recycle.
A. The following is what we should do
B. And it’s not just wildlife that’s threatened
C. And this figure is likely to double by 2025
D. But it’s not just countries that need to do their part
E. By 2050,that figure is expected to rise to 1000 pieces
F. That’s how much plastic waste ends up in our oceans every year
G. All of us have an important role to play in dealing with the problems
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
假设你是学生会主席李华，你校拟组织美国交换生到孔子庙参观，委托你通知相关事宜, 请你写一则书面通知，要点包括:
1 .集合时间和地点;
2.活动内容:参观孔子庙、古建筑、观看木偶戏；
3.预先准备:简要了解孔子文化。
注意:
1.可适当发挥，使短文连贯、通顺；
2.文中不能出现考生的具体信息；
3. 词数:100左右。
参考词汇:1.孔子庙the Confucius Temple 2.木偶戏puppet show
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难度: 困难查看答案及解析
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（^），并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线（\）划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1）每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；
2）只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
It was raining light when I got up yesterday. After a quick breakfast, I took a umbrella with me and went to school in a hurry. It was fifteen minutes after school began. I was running quickly when I see an old man walking slowly in the rain. I stopped, wondered whether to help him or not, as I might be late for school. Then I made a decision walk him home. About ten minutes late, we arrived at his house. He thanked for me again and again. I smiled and said it was nothing. I was late when I got to school. Hearing my story, the head teacher, that was giving his lecture, praised me before all the student.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析