With climate change and overfishing threateni...

With climate change and overfishing threatening our oceans, it is becoming increasingly important for researchers to closely observe and check sea animals and plants. However, it’s almost impossible to make it since human presence scares the animals. Now, thanks to the robot, aka SoFi, researchers may be able to solve the problem.

Built by MIT’s laboratory, the snow-white remote-controlled robot simulates fish, complete with a flexible tail that moves from side to side and two “fins (鳍)”.

When the robot is under the sea, a motor is pumping water into a pair of balloon-like rooms located in the robot’s tail. These rooms operate similarly to the key parts in engines. As one room expands, the tail bends to one side; when the motor pushes water to the other channel, the tail bends in the other direction. Thus the robot gains the ability to move to where it wants to go.

SoFi solves many of the issues that have affected the usefulness(有效性) of previous robots --- some types of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

AUVs traditionally often have had to be tied to a boat because radio frequency communications do not work well underwater. So researchers use sound waves. The new technology can travel greater distances, allowing drivers, by using a controller, to pilot SoFi from up to 50 feet away. SoFi can move around the ocean, unaffected by ropes. Also limiting traditional AUVs’ usefulness is the risk of hitting something, like hard stones. With the outside made of rubber(橡胶) and plastic that can keep its built-in electronics dry, SoFi can efficiently avoid hitting. So a soft robot is more likely to survive a potential crisis.

During test dives in Rainbow Reef, SoFi swam alongside the unsuspecting(无疑心的) ocean life at depths of 50 feet for up to 40 minutes at a time, obtaining high-quality photos and videos. More importantly, it was able to do so without causing any disturbance. Researchers say sometimes the fish would swim alongside the strange-looking robot in curiosity, while at other times they appeared to completely ignore its existence. “It’s not perfect, but we’re improving it. Our efforts will pay off,” says Robert Katzschmann.

1.The robot SoFi is created to ________.

A.observe climate change B.help to monitor sea creatures

C.catch fish and observe them D.prevent overfishing in oceans

2.What does the underlined word “simulates” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A.Is modeled after. B.Is designed for.

C.Is combined with. D.Is applied to.

3.What’s Paragraph 3 mainly written to show?

A.The shape of SoFi. B.The application of SoFi.

C.The structure of SoFi’s tail. D.The theory of SoFi’s movement.

4.What’s Robert Katzschmann’s attitude towards SoFi?

A.Satisfied. B.Negative. C.Hopeful. D.Neutral.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Scientists are seeking new and creative ways to deal with climate change. As well as reducing our carbon dioxide sent into the air, scientists say we must remove the gas from the air to keep Earths temperature down.

One expert has now suggested pouring carbon dioxide into deep trenches (海沟), forming vast liquid lakes, Steve Goldthorpe, an energy analyst based in New Zealand, says the lakes could forever hold vast quantities of carbon dioxide. This is because once the gas reaches a depth of 3,000 meters it is denser (密度大) than water, meaning it naturally sinks to the seafloor.

“If liquid CO2 were to be placed in such a trench, it would be 7 per cent more dense than seawater and could remain forever as a lake of liquid CO2 on the ocean floor,” Mr Goldthorpe wrote in his paper, “the stored carbon dioxide could become solid over time, which would stop it mixing with ocean currents.”

Previously, experts have suggested burying the extra carbon dioxide deep underground, possibly in abandoned (废弃的) oil and gas fields. While first tests have shown that this method has potential, scientists are still unsure whether people would accept the fix.

Carbon dioxide lakes do form naturally in the cold, high-pressure depths of the ocean, but they are rare.

Researchers have previously given up the idea of ocean CO2 storage because it can make the water more acidic, which may affect ocean ecosystems. Mr Goldthorpe recognizes this in his paper, writing, “Any influence on deep ocean ecosystems would need to be examined.”

1.What is Goldthorpe’s way of fighting climate change?

A.To cut down carbon dioxide sent into air.

B.To make the most of the traditional ways.

C.To pour carbon dioxide deep into the ocean.

D.To dig a large lake for storing carbon dioxide.

2.According to Goldthorpe, CO2 could remain in the trench on condition that ________.

A.the trench has to be deep enough

B.CO2 must first be changed into solid

C.the trench has to be large enough

D.CO2 must first be taken to the seafloor

3.The previous idea of ocean CO2 storage has been given up because ________.

A.natural storing places rarely exist

B.many oil and gas fields will have to be abandoned

C.scientists are unsure whether people would accept the fix

D.there are concerns on possible damage to the ocean ecosystem

4.The last paragraph indicates that Goldthorpe’s attitude towards his project is _________.

A.doubtful B.cautious

C.disapproving D.determined

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

A global analysis of Earth's threatened and endangered species has changed our scientific understanding about how much climate change is affecting wildlife.

The research, published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change, shows that 47 percent of mammals and 23 percent of birds have been negatively affected by our changing planet. Those figures are shockingly larger than previous assessments, which have shown 7 percent of mammals and 4 percent of birds were affected. Of the 873 mammal species looked at, 414 are hurt by climate change. For threatened birds, 298 of 1,272 species are experiencing negative effects, according to the findings.

However, a new study follows the analysis of threatened wildlife shows that the biggest threat to wildlife is not climate change, which gets a lot of attention, but human activities, including logging (伐木), hunting and farming. Today, three-quarters of Earth's land surface faces “human pressure", according to a global analysis professor Watson carried out in August.

When it comes to the effects of human activities on wildlife, Watson said, most studies look at what might happen to a population in the future, perhaps 50 or 100 years down the line. The problem with such forecasts is that they are absolutely unhelpful for the here and now.

“Nature is extremely resilient (能复原的) if you give it a chance," Watson said. “But the big thing is acting now, not in 20 to 50 years' time. Not make climate change and“human pressure" a future threat, but take action now. Because every day, every minute, which you delay, you lose those opportunities."

1.What has been found about the effects of climate change according to the passage?

A. Human activities are suffering severe disaster due to the climate change.

B. The species affected by climate change are more than people thought.

C. More than half of the mammal species were affected by climate change.

D. Three-quarters of Earth's land surface has been damaged by climate change.

2.What does the underlined “they" refer to?

A. Human activities. B. Negative effects.

C. Assessments. D. Forecasts.

3.What's the attitude of Watson towards the recovery of the environment?

A. Optimistic. B. Pessimistic.

C. Doubtful. D. Uncaring.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Kids are loveable. With them around, our lives are brighter and more fun. Also our kids change the atmosphere of our house. When they’re in the house, it appears that every negative thing seems to disappear, and brighter moments start to appear. If they aren’t around, our life seems dull and boring, which is why we miss them when they’re gone. Yes, kids can change our lives but the question is: what can we offer them in return? As parents, it is our duty and our responsibility to provide our kids with what they need.

Then what are the basic needs of our kids? Firstly, it’s important to give kids the right foods and nutrition they need. Keep in mind that these foods aren’t just those foods found in stores and other fast food restaurants. Instead, our kids need foods that are rich in nutrients.

Secondly, it’s our duty to make sure our kids are safe all the time. We can give our family a good and simple house depending on our money but the important thing is that they feel secure. Our kids will appreciate it very much if we give them their play room or bedroom.

The third basic need is clothing, which protects them from harsh weather conditions. They could die from coldness or heat if we don’t consider proper clothing. Education is also one of the important basic needs of our kids, because there is a need for them to know the things around them.

However, It isn’t enough to spend all your time working to provide whatever your family need and want, because then you’ll lose time for the family. Just remember to give love and attention to your family no matter how busy you are. Every effort is surely appreciated and loved.

高二英语其他题中等难度题查看答案及解析

Our mood may change suddenly like a storm with lightning and thunderbolts that comes without notice.

The good news is that bad moods can leave as suddenly as they have come. Exceptions to this rule of course are cases where there are other problems such as depression or any other mental destruction.

How to improve your mood?

1.　　　 When you understand that you are not feeling happy but you are in depression or disappointment, then you can use these simple techniques that will be able to change the negative situation and improve your mood.　 　　

2.　　 . Exercises, gymnastics and sports help a lot to achieve a better emotional balance. If you feel that you are in a bad mood, take a hot bath or sauna.　 　　 3.　　　　 .

Watch a movie, read a book or talk to a friend.

　　 4.　　 . When you leave work or home, go to places that make you happy and calm. This helps to improve your mood.　　

Make relations with happy, optimistic and pleasant people. 　 5.　　 . Positive and optimistic feelings that create positive thinking for the future will help you overcome your bad feelings and defeat your bad mood.

When the problem of bad moods, frustration and negative emotions beyond normal situations becomes chronic (长期的), it is important to turn to a specialist for help.

A．The relaxation of the muscles will help.

B．Change your environment.

C．Use physical activity to fight against feelings of depression.

D．This can help you improve your mood significantly.

E. First you have to learn to recognize when you are in a bad mood.

F. There are ways to improve your mood.

G. Changes in feelings and mood can happen for various reasons.

高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析

Our mood may change suddenly like a storm with lightning and thunderbolts that comes without notice. Also bad moods can leave as suddenly as they have come. Exceptions to this rule of course are cases where there are other problems such as depression or any other mental destruction.

How to improve your mood

1.　 When you understand that you are not feeling happy but you are in depression or disappointment, then you can use these simple techniques that will be able to change the negative situation and improve your mood.

● 　 2.　　 . Exercise, gymnastics and sports help much to achieve a better emotional balance.

● If you feel that you are in a bad mood, take a hot bath or sauna. 　　 3.　 .

● Watch a movie, read a book or talk to a friend.

● 　　 4.　 When you leave work or home, go to places that make you happy and calm. This helps to improve your mood.

● Make relations with happy, optimistic and pleasant people. 　　 5. .

Positive and optimistic feelings that create positive thinking for the future will help you overcome your bad feelings and defeat your bad mood.

When the problem of bad moods, frustration and negative emotions beyond normal situations exists for a long time, it is important to turn to a specialist for help.

A. There are ways to improve your mood.

B. Change your environment.

C. Use physical activity to fight against feelings of depression.

D. This can help you improve your mood significantly.

E. Changes in feelings and mood can happen for various reasons.

F. The relaxation of the muscles will help.

G. First you have to learn to recognize when you are in a bad mood.

高二英语信息匹配中等难度题查看答案及解析

Climate change will force exhausted birds migrating to Europe from Africa to travel further, with possibly disastrous consequences, according to a study.

The annual voyage of some species, which fly north in search of food and suitable habitats, could increase by as much as 400 kilometers (250 miles), the research found. “Marathon migrations for some birds are set to become even longer,” said Stephen Willis, a professor at Durham University in Britain and the main architect of the study. “This is bad news for birds like the White throat, a common farmland bird. The added distance is a considerable threat. As temperatures rise and habitats change, birds will face their biggest challenge since the Pleistocene era (更新世), which ended 11,000 years ago,” he said in a statement.

Some 500 million birds migrate each year from Africa, some weighing as little as nine grams (three-tenths of an ounce). To complete a voyage that can be thousands of kilometers long, birds have to fatten themselves up to twice their normal weight. Some even shrink their internal organs (收缩内脏) to become more fuel efficient, so any additional distance may be dangerous.

The study finds that from 2007 to 2010, nine out of 17 species examined are going to face longer migrations, particularly birds that cross the Sahara Desert. Some birds travel the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea in a one go, while others have a break in northern Africa before crossing. Many fly at night, when temperatures are cooler.

A few — such as the Blackcap — have started to adapt by spending winters in Britain, but such behavior remains exceptional, the study said. The study forecasts that the migration distance of the Orphean Warbler will jump from 2,700 kilometers (1,700 miles) to between 3,050 and 3,350 kilometers (1,900 and 2,100 miles), with even longer increases for the Subalpine and Barred Warblers.

1.What does traveling extra distance mean for some migrating birds?

A. Better living conditions.　　 B. Better physical health.

C. Stronger ability to fly.　　 D. Bigger threat to life.

2.To complete the marathon migrations, some birds have to do the following except ______.

A. have a break in the Sahara　　 B. put on more weight

C. reduce the size of internal organs　　 D. fly at night to avoid the heat

3.What can we infer from the text?

A. Birds have to migrate from Africa to Europe in winter.

B. Global warming is bad for all birds worldwide.

C. Birds that are of small size don’t need to migrate.

D. Some birds have to migrate unless they adapt to climate change.

4.What’s the best title of the text?

A. Climate change leads to disastrous consequence

B. The annual voyage of some species

C. How birds migrate for longer distances

D. Climate change pushes birds to migrate farther

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Humanity has begun wrestling with the dangers of global threats such as climate change.But few authorities are planning for catastrophic solar storms -huge eruptions of mass and energy from the sun that destroy Earth’s magnetic field. In a recent paper,two Harvard University scientists estimate the potential economic damage from such an event will increase in the future and could equal the current U.S.GDP-about＄20 trillion-150years from now.

This kind of storm has happened before.The so-called Carrington Event in 1859,the most intense magnetic storm ever recorded on Earth,caused auroras(极光）in the atmosphere and even delivered electric shocks to telegraph operators.But a Carrington-scale storm today would cause far more harm because society now depends so heavily on electrical power grids,communications satellites and GPS.

In an effort to quantify that threat,astrophysicists Abraham Loeb and Manasvi Lingam of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics developed a mathematical model that assumes society's vulnerability(脆弱性）to solar storms will grow with technological advances.Under this model,during the next 50 years the potential for economic damage will depend primarily on the rising odds of a strong solar storm over time.Beyond 50 years our vulnerability will increase dramatically with technological progress until the latter levels off.

Some scientists question the model’s predictions. “Estimating the economic impact is challenging now, let alone in over a century,” says Edward Oughton, a research associate at the University of Cambridge's Center for Risk Studies.Yet he warns that uncertainty should not stop us from practical preparations, such as making power grids stronger and improving early-warning systems.

Loeb and Lingam think up a much wider strategy:$100-billion magnetic deflector shield(导流板）, positioned between Earth and the sun. This idea seems “pretty preposterous, ”however, given that solar particles arrive at Earth from all directions,says Daniel Baker,director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

A better understanding of"space weather"-the changing condition in Earth's outer space environment, including solar radiation and particles-could help find the best strategies for confronting a dangerous solar storm,says Stacey Worman,a senior analyst at consulting firm Abt Associates."This is a challenging but important question,"Worman says,"that we need more eyes on."

1.According to Edward Oughton,which of the following about solar storms is right?

A.They will become much stronger in 150 years.

B.Technology makes their potential damage grow.

C.Space weather forecast can effectively help deal with them.

D.It's difficult to predict their possible economic damage.

2.The underlined word “preposterous” in Paragraph 5 means

A.innovative B.practical

C.unreasonable D.inflexible

3.The author writes the passage mainly to_

A.remind people to guard against solar storms

B.report the damage of solar storms

C.introduce the characteristics of solar storms

D.analyze the possible cause of solar storms

高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

We already know the fastest, least expensive way to slow climate change: Use less energy. With a little effort, and not much money, most of us could reduce our energy diets by 25 percent or more—doing the Earth a favor while also helping our wallets.

Not long ago, my wife, PJ, and I tried a new diet—not to lose a little weight but to answer an annoying question about climate change. Scientists have reported recently that the world is bending up even faster than predicted only a few years ago, and that the consequences could be severe if we don't keep reducing emissions(排放) of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and other greenhouse gases that are trapping heat in our atmosphere.

We decided to try an experiment. For one month we recorded our personal emissions of CO2. We wanted to see how much we could cut back, so we went on a strict diet. The average US household(家庭) produces about 150 pounds of CO2 a day by doing common-place things like turning on air-conditioning or driving cars. That's more than twice the European average and almost five times the global average, mostly because Americans drive more and have bigger houses. But how much should we try to reduce?

For an answer, I checked with Tim Flannery, author of The Weather Makers: How Man is Changing the Climate and What it Means for Life on Earth. In his book, he had challenged readers to make deep cuts in personal emissions to keep the world from reaching extremely important tipping points, such as the melting(融化) of the ice sheets in Greenland or West Antarctica. "To stay below that point, we need to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 percent," he said.

Good advice, I thought. I'd opened our bedroom windows to let in the wind. We'd gotten so used to keeping our air-conditioning going around the clock. I'd almost forgotten the windows even opened. We should not let this happen again. It's time for us to change our habits if necessary.

1.Why did the author and his wife try a new diet?

A. To take special kinds of food.

B. To respond to climate change.

C. To lose weight.

D. To improve their health.

2.The underlined words "tipping points" most probably refer to ________.

A. freezing points　　 B. burning points

C. melting points　　 D. boiling points

3.It can be inferred from the passage that ________.

A. it is necessary to keep the air-conditioning on all the time

B. it seems possible for every household to cut emissions of CO2

C. the average US household produces about 3,000 pounds of CO2 a month

D. the average European household produces about 1,000 pounds of CO2 a month

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

China understands the situation and needs of underdeveloped countries on the issue of climate change and urges developed countries to support them______ technology and finance.

A. in spite of      B. owing to         C. regardless of    D. in terms of

高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析