A new device works like a solar panel，except that it doesn’t harvest energy from the sun. It absorbs energy from the cold night sky.
A prototype(原型)of the device produced enough electricity at night to power a small light bulb. A bigger version might one day light rooms or charge phones. It also could power electronics in remote or low-resource areas that lack electricity.
The device makes use of the temperature difference between Earth and outer space. It then uses that difference to create electricity. As long as one side of it is cooler than the other，the generator can produce electricity. The cooler side faces the sky and is attached to an aluminum plate. That plate is sealed beneath a transparent cover and surrounded with insulation(隔热材料) to keep out heat. The bottom of the generator is attached to an exposed aluminum plate. That plate is warmed by the local air. At night，the top plate can get a couple of degrees Celsius cooler than the bottom of the generator.
Researchers tested a 20-centimeter prototype one clear December night in Stanford，California. The generator produced up to about 25 milliwatts of power per square meter of device. That was enough power to light a small light-emitting diode，or LED bulb. Further improvements might increase its production to at least 500 milliwatts per square meter. To do that，the system might need more insulation around the cool top plate.
The device also could help power remote weather stations or other environmental devices，says Aaswath Raman. He is a materials scientist who worked on the device at the University of California，Los Angeles. This may be useful in polar regions that don’t see sunlight for months at a time，Raman says. “If you have some low-power load and you need to power it through three months of darkness，this might be a way. ”
1.What can we know about the new device?
A.It gains energy from the sun. B.It’s been widely used in life.
C.It is cooler than a solar panel. D.It’ll be popular in special areas.
2.What does the author mainly talk about in Paragraph 3?
A.Application fields of the device.
B.The developing process of the device.
C.The working principle of the device.
D.Significant effects of the device.
3.How can the device produce more electricity?
A.By putting more insulation around the top plate.
B.By using it in extremely cold and clear nights.
C.By attaching the bottom plate to a warm plate.
D.By covering the top plate with a transparent lid.
4.What could be a suitable title for the text?
A.A Device Using the Cold Night Sky to Produce Electricity
B.A Device Bringing New Hope for Those in the Cold Night
C.The Difference Between a Solar Panel and a New Device
D.The Temperature Difference Between Earth and Outer Space
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
A new device works like a solar panel，except that it doesn’t harvest energy from the sun. It absorbs energy from the cold night sky.
A prototype(原型)of the device produced enough electricity at night to power a small light bulb. A bigger version might one day light rooms or charge phones. It also could power electronics in remote or low-resource areas that lack electricity.
The device makes use of the temperature difference between Earth and outer space. It then uses that difference to create electricity. As long as one side of it is cooler than the other，the generator can produce electricity. The cooler side faces the sky and is attached to an aluminum plate. That plate is sealed beneath a transparent cover and surrounded with insulation(隔热材料) to keep out heat. The bottom of the generator is attached to an exposed aluminum plate. That plate is warmed by the local air. At night，the top plate can get a couple of degrees Celsius cooler than the bottom of the generator.
Researchers tested a 20-centimeter prototype one clear December night in Stanford，California. The generator produced up to about 25 milliwatts of power per square meter of device. That was enough power to light a small light-emitting diode，or LED bulb. Further improvements might increase its production to at least 500 milliwatts per square meter. To do that，the system might need more insulation around the cool top plate.
The device also could help power remote weather stations or other environmental devices，says Aaswath Raman. He is a materials scientist who worked on the device at the University of California，Los Angeles. This may be useful in polar regions that don’t see sunlight for months at a time，Raman says. “If you have some low-power load and you need to power it through three months of darkness，this might be a way. ”
1.What can we know about the new device?
A.It gains energy from the sun. B.It’s been widely used in life.
C.It is cooler than a solar panel. D.It’ll be popular in special areas.
2.What does the author mainly talk about in Paragraph 3?
A.Application fields of the device.
B.The developing process of the device.
C.The working principle of the device.
D.Significant effects of the device.
3.How can the device produce more electricity?
A.By putting more insulation around the top plate.
B.By using it in extremely cold and clear nights.
C.By attaching the bottom plate to a warm plate.
D.By covering the top plate with a transparent lid.
4.What could be a suitable title for the text?
A.A Device Using the Cold Night Sky to Produce Electricity
B.A Device Bringing New Hope for Those in the Cold Night
C.The Difference Between a Solar Panel and a New Device
D.The Temperature Difference Between Earth and Outer Space
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
A new device (设备) works like a solar panel, except it doesn't harvest energy from the sun to produce electricity. Instead, it uses energy from the cold night sky.
In the center of this device is a thermoelectric generator (热电发电机), which uses the temperature difference between Earth and outer space to create electricity.
As long as one side of it is cooler than the other, the generator can produce electricity. The cooler side faces the sky and is attached to an aluminum plate. That plate is sealed under a transparent cover and surrounded with materials that keep heat out. It stays cooler than the surrounding air by getting rid of any heat it absorbs as infrared (红外线的) radiation. That radiation can zip up through the transparent cover and on toward outer space.
The bottom of the generator is attached to an exposed aluminum plate, which is warmed by the local air. At night, the top plate can get several degrees centigrade cooler than the bottom of the generator.
Researchers tested the device one clear December night in Stanford, Calif. The generator produced up to about 25 milliwatts of power per square meter of the device. That was just enough power to light a small electric lamp. Further improvements might develop its production to at least 500 milliwatts per square meter.
"It's a very clever idea," says Yuan Yang, a materials scientist who works at Columbia University in New York City. "The device still needs improving," he notes. "But this new device may be useful for backup power," Yang says. "It might also provide a bit of energy to people living in areas that lack electricity."
"The device could help power remote weather stations or other environmental devices," says Aaswath Raman, a materials scientist who worked on the device at the University of California, Los Angeles. What's more, this may be useful in areas that don't see sunlight for months at a time, Raman adds.
1.How is the device designed?
A.It includes two aluminum plates with different functions.
B.It is equipped with a heat resistant generator in the center.
C.Its two aluminum plates are exposed to air to keep heat out.
D.Its generator is sealed by a transparent cover to remain cool.
2.What is the limitation with the tested device?
A.It won't be expanded to be much larger.
B.It fails to produce electricity fast enough.
C.It is unable to power small electric lamps.
D.It produces a limited amount of electricity.
3.In paragraph 6, Yuan Yang mainly intends to .
A.evaluate the device on a positive basis
B.point out the problems with the device
C.explain the research work for the device
D.comment on Aaswath Raman's prediction
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Lamps Are Powered by the Energy From the Cold Night Sky
B.A Generator Producing Electricity Has Been Applied in Many Areas
C.Scientists Have Made a Breakthrough in Harvesting Green Energy
D.A Device Uses Energy From the Cold Night Sky to Produce Electricity
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
When it comes to green buildings, we tend to think of new ones – the kind of high-tech, solar-paneled masterpieces that make the covers of architecture magazines. 1.They are the witness of the country. And it would be incredibly wasteful to tear them all down and replace them with greener versions. 2.What’s more, it would take an average of 65 years for the reduced carbon emissions from a new energy-efficient home to make up for the resources lost by destroying an old one. 3.
But there is an unavoidable fact that nearly half of U. S. carbon emissions come from heating, cooling and powering those aged houses. "You can't deal with climate change without dealing with existing buildings," says Richard Moe, the president of the National Trust. With some exceptions, the oldest homes tend to be the least energy- efficient. 4.Houses built before 1939 use about 50% more energy per square foot than those built after 2000.
5.Historic ones like Lincoln's Cottage can be transformed through efficiency upgrades. They can not only help protect property owners from rising power costs; They can save the earth.
A.But how to change their conditions?
B.But the U.S. has more than 100 million existing homes.
C.Some effective measures should be taken by government.
D.So some people say that the greenest way is to maintain old ones.
E.Fortunately, some relatively simple changes can green older homes.
F.Vast energy and resources went into the construction of those houses.
G.The main cause is the cracks that expand over time and let outside air in.
高三英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析
When we think of green buildings, we tend to think of new ones-the kind of modern, solar-paneled masterpieces that make the covers of architecture magazines．But the US has more than 100 million existing homes, and it would be incredibly ________ to tear them all down and ________ them with greener versions．
An enormous amount of energy and resources went into the construction of those houses．And it would take an average of 65 years for the ________ carbon emissions (排放) from a(an) __ _ energy-efficient (节能) home to make up for the ________ lost by destroying an old one．
So in the broadest sense, the greenest home is the one that has already been built．But at the same time, ________ half of US carbon emissions come from heating, cooling and powering our ________, offices and other buildings．"You can't deal with climate ________ without dealing with existing buildings," says Richard Moe, the president of the National Trust．
With some exceptions, the oldest homes tend to be the ________ energy-efficient．Houses built before 1939 use about 50% more energy per square foot than those built after 2000, mainly due to the tiny cracks and gaps that ________ over time and let in more outside ________.
,there are a vast number of relatively simple changes that can green older homes, from ________ ones like Lincoln's Cottage to your own postwar home．And efficiency upgrades (升级) can save more than just the earth; they can help ________ property owners from rising power ________.
1.A． terrible B．wasteful C．wonderful D．useful
2.A．put B．build C．replace D．take
3.A．reduced B．increased C．used D．destroyed
4.A．old B．fashionable C．new D．beautiful
5.A．magazines B．trees C．materials D．resources
6.A．nearly B．hardly C．rarely D．mostly
7.A．libraries B．schools C．homes D．stores
8.A．improvement B．appearance C．stability D．change
9.A．most B．really C．very D．least
10.A．expand B．narrow C．strengthen D．weaken
11.A．dust B．air C．smoke D．water
12.A．Oppositely B．Unfortunately C．Fortunately D．Frankly
13.A．historic B．worthless C．ordinary D．meaningless
14.A．charge B．protect C．punish D．warn
15.A．prices B．costs C．businesses D．bargains
高三英语完型填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
________left before the deadline, it doesn’t seem likely that John will finish the work on time.
A．Though such a short time B．Because such a short time
C．With such a short time D．As such a short time
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Engineers in Upstate New York have invented a folded paper device that looks like a decorated art project. But don't be fooled. This is actually a paper-based battery. No, it doesn't look like any of those metal batteries running flashlights or smartphones. In these systems, the battery can be printed on a page. The battery 's power consists of living bacteria.
Paper electronics are simple to make and inexpensive, notes study leader Seokheun Choi, an engineer at Binghamton University. They need no electrical outlet to recharge. They just need more bacteria, which can be found everywhere — including dirty water.
“ Most batteries use chemicals to generate electricity. Substituting bacteria can be an advantage,” Choi says.“They are cheap and self-repairing.” What paper-based batteries won't do is generate much power. They do, however create enough to run small devices in faraway or dangerous places — such as a battlefield . They might also find use in medicine . For instance, they might power tiny sensors, such as the types used to measure blood sugar.
This invention is based on an observation made more than a century ago — that microbes （微生 物） produce electricity as they digest food. Scientists refer to the bio-batteries based on this principle as microbial fuel cells. A fuel cell generates electricity like a regular battery. But a regular battery stops producing electricity when its inner chemical reactions stop. A fuel cell uses fuel that can be refilled. In this case, bacteria serve as the fuel. By refilling more microbes, as needed, scientists can keep these fuel cells running.
Lab tests have shown that the new battery can produce a current. Now, Choi and his team are looking at ways to increase the power. They're studying different shapes and materials for the anode and cathode （正负 极）. They're also looking for the best ways to combine batteries for more power. The beauty of the paper devices is that you can simply fold them to connect them. And they surely will be a trend in the near future.
1.What makes the paper-based batteries different from other batteries?
A.They are mainly used to run smartphones.
B.They use bacteria to generate electricity.
C.They are used to decorate small devices.
D.They take a much shorter time to recharge.
2.What can the paper-based batteries do?
A.Power tiny devices. B.Lower blood sugar levels.
C.Produce much electricity. D.Change chemicals in the paper.
3.What is the fourth paragraph mainly about?
A.The application of the new battery.
B.The characteristics of the paper batteries.
C.The intention to invent the device.
D.The working principle of the invention.
4.What is the author's attitude towards the development of the paper-based batteries?
A.Defensive. B.Optimistic.
C.Doubtful. D.Ambiguous.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It is amazing to note that the Internet is still such a new device，and yet it is one of the fastest and most powerful media tools．But think about it for a moment．On the Internet，a big online company can be run by two guys out of their garage．So it is only reasonable that people shopping on the Net would be a little leery of the security levels．
Internet giants such as Microsoft knew consumer confidence was the key to getting virtual(虚拟) shopping off the ground，and they work hard to make people feel safe to shop online．
Credit card companies，too，quickly saw the potential for Internet shopping，and have installed things like online shopping insurance for people．If you ever have a problem with your online credit purchases，many credit card companies will happily refund(返还) your money and then set their claws on the company that wronged you．Now that’s buying power！
There are other bonuses for online shoppers，of course．No line-ups，for one．No annoying mall shopping carts with broken wheels and kids crying because their parents won’t get them what they want．
When shopping online，consumers can sit down，have a coffee，and wear their slippers，not have to worry about their hair or parking and just click through sale after sale．Comparison shopping couldn’t be any easier．And thanks to courier companies（速递公司）getting in on the act，you never need wait longer than a day or two to get those all important purchases delivered right to your door．
No wonder so many companies are shaking their heads at traditional advertising and instead looking to the “virtual” world to attract online shoppers．
1.The underlined word “leery” means__________．
A． satisfied B． distrustful
C． hopeful D． sad
2.________leads to consumers’ trust in online shopping．
A． Shopping law
B． Shopping convenience
C． Internet access
D． Shopping security
3.Which group of words would the writer use to describe current Internet shopping？
A． Adventurous，enjoyable，fast，unreal
B． Unsafe，cheap，slow，convenient
C． Reliable，popular，convenient，slow
D． Safe，convenient，fast，comfortable
4.The following are thought to have made contributions to the popularity of online shopping EXCEPT_________．
A． internet companies
B． courier companies
C． advertising companies
D． credit card companies
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It is amazing to note that the Internet is still such a new device, and yet it is one of the fastest and most powerful media tools. But think about it for a moment. On the Internet, a big online company can be run by two guys out of their garage. So it is only reasonable that people shopping on the Net would be a little leery of the security levels.
Internet giants such as Microsoft knew consumer confidence was the key to getting virtual(虚拟) shopping off the ground, and they work hard to make people feel safe to shop online.
Credit card companies, too, quickly saw the potential for Internet shopping, and have installed things like online shopping insurance for people. If you ever have a problem with your online credit purchases, many credit card companies will happily refund(返还) your money and then set their claws on the company that wronged you. Now that’s buying power!
There are other bonuses for online shoppers, of course. No line-ups, for one. No annoying mall shopping carts with broken wheels and kids crying because their parents won’t get them what they want.
When shopping online, consumers can sit down, have a coffee, and wear their slippers, not have to worry about their hair or parking and just click through sale after sale. Comparison shopping couldn’t be any easier. And thanks to courier companies（速递公司）getting in on the act, you never need wait longer than a day or two to get those all important purchases delivered right to your door.
No wonder so many companies are shaking their heads at traditional advertising and instead looking to the “virtual” world to attract online shoppers.
1. The underlined word “leery” means .
A. satisfied B. distrustful
C. hopeful D. sad
2. leads to consumers’ trust in online shopping.
A. Shopping law B. Shopping convenience
C. Internet access D. Shopping security
3.Which group of words would the writer use to describe current Internet shopping?
A. Adventurous, enjoyable, fast, unreal.
B. Unsafe, cheap, slow, convenient.
C. Reliable, popular, convenient, slow.
D. Safe, convenient, fast, comfortable.
4. The following are thought to have made contributions to the popularity of online shopping
EXCEPT_________.
A. internet companies B. courier companies
C. advertising companies D. credit card companies
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It is amazing to note that the Internet is still such a new device，and yet it is one of the fastest and most powerful media tools. But think about it for a moment. On the Internet，a big online company can be run by only two guys in their garage. So it is only reasonable then，that people shopping online would be a little leery of the security levels.
Internet giants such as Microsoft knew consumer confidence was the key to getting virtual(虚拟的) shopping off the ground，and they work hard to make people feel safe to shop online.
Credit card companies，too，quickly saw the potential for online shopping，and have installed things like online shopping insurance for people. If you ever have a problem with your online credit purchases，many credit card companies will happily refund(退还) your money and then set their claws on the company that wronged you. Now that’s buying power!
There are other bonuses for online shoppers，of course. No lineups，for one. No annoying mall shopping carts with broken wheels and kids crying because their parents won’t get them what they want.
When shopping online，consumers can sit down，have a coffee，and wear their slippers，not having to worry about their hair or parking，and just clicking through sale after sale. Comparison shopping couldn’t be any easier. And thanks to courier companies(快递公司) getting in on the act，you never need to wait longer than a day or two to get those all important purchases delivered right to your door.
No wonder so many companies are shaking their heads at traditional advertising and instead looking to the“virtual” world to attract online shoppers.
1.What’s the meaning of the underlined word “leery” in the first paragraph?
A． confident
B． doubtful
C． hopeful
D． disappointed
2.Consumer confidence in online shopping mainly relies on .
A． freedom of shopping
B． shopping convenience
C． security in shopping
D． Internet access
3.The following have made contributions to the popularity of online shopping EXCEPT .
A． Internet giants
B． traditional advertisers
C． courier companies
D． credit card companies
4.What does the author think of the current online shopping?
A． Safe，fast but unrealistic.
B． Cheap，convenient but unsafe.
C． Reliable，popular but slow.
D． Safe，convenient and fast.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It is amazing to note that the Internet is still such a new device, and yet it is one of the fastest and most powerful media tools. But think about it for a moment. On the Internet, a big online company can be run by two guys out of their garage. So it is only reasonable that people shopping on the Net would be a little leery of the security levels.
Internet giants such as Microsoft knew consumer confidence was the key to getting virtual(虚拟)shopping off the ground, and they work hard to make people feel safe to shop online.
Credit card companies, too, quickly saw the potential for Internet shopping, and have installed things like online shopping insurance for people. If you ever have a problem with your online credit purchases, many credit card companies will happily refund(返还) your money and then set their claws on the company that wronged you. Now that’s buying power!
There are other bonuses for online shoppers, of course. No line-ups, for one. No annoying mall shopping carts with broken wheels and kids crying because their parents won’t get them what they want.
When shopping online, consumers can sit down, have a coffee, and wear their slippers, not have to worry about their hair or parking and just click through sale after sale. Comparison shopping couldn’t be any easier. And thanks to courier companies（速递公司）getting in on the act, you never need wait longer than a day or two to get those all important purchases delivered right to your door.
No wonder so many companies are shaking their heads at traditional advertising and instead looking to the “virtual” world to attract online shoppers.
1.The underlined word “leery” means ________.
A. satisfied B. distrustful
C. hopeful D. sad
2.________ leads to consumers’ trust in online shopping.
A. Shopping law B. Shopping convenience
C. Internet access D. Shopping security
3.Which group of words would the writer use to describe current Internet shopping?
A. Adventurous, enjoyable, fast, unreal. B. Unsafe, cheap, slow, convenient.
C. Reliable, popular, convenient, slow. D. Safe, convenient, fast, comfortable.
4.The following are thought to have made contributions to the popularity of online shopping EXCEPT_________.
A. Internet companies B. courier companies
C. advertising companies D. credit card companies
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析