The killdeer, a small bird known for its high-pitched call, could lead to the cancellation of one of Canada’ biggest music festivals.
The first hint of trouble for Ottawa’s Bluesfest, an outdoor festival that draws around 300,000 people each year, came last week after workers at the site found one of the birds. It had laid four eggs nearby, effectively claiming the main stage area as its nesting ground. “This is one of the most challenging problems we’ve been presented with, but we feel we can work through this,” said Mark Monahan, executive director of the festival.
“Anything that changes the schedule has a major effect, so we’re taking it very seriously.” The discovery meant that government officials rushed to protect the nest and the eggs, hiring a security guard to watch over them 24 hours a day. Environmentalists were also brought in.
“We don’t know when the eggs might hatch,” said Monahan. What is known is that the young killdeer will likely leave the nest soon after they are hatched, leading many to hope that the eggs hatch in the next day or so.
The festival is now seeking permission from Environment Canada to relocate the nest some 50 meters away or take it to a wildlife center. Moving the nest would also ensure the bird and its young would be protected during the festival’s 11-day run, said Monahan. It’s highly likely that the festival’s thousands of attendees would cause huge problems for the bird and its eggs.
Monahan was confident that the festival would go on as planned, however. “Most of the people we’re working with are looking for a positive solution,” Monahan said. “There is no one saying that the festival can’t go on.”
As news of the dilemma spread, it left residents divided. Some supported the bird, saying that moving the nest might result in the eggs being abandoned. Others expressed annoyance that protecting the eggs of the small bird, which is widespread across North America, was risking an annual festival that contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.
The killdeer’s tendency to build its nest in open fields or flat areas has caused issues in other areas of the US: earlier this year, construction on a health center in Wisconsin was temporarily stopped after a killdeer and its four eggs were discovered.
1.Which is TRUE about Bluesfest?
A.It is the first music festival in Canada.
B.It is an important event for music lovers.
C.It is a music festival held every two years.
D.It is a challenging outdoor activity in Ottawa.
2.What was especially challenging for Bluesfest this year?
A.Pressure from the government.
B.Disagreements with the public.
C.The need to protect the bird’s eggs.
D.The lack of experience in hosting the event.
3.How did the festival plan to deal with the problem?
A.Move the nest to another place.
B.Ask government officials for help.
C.Seek advice from environmentalists.
D.Hire security guards to protect the eggs.
4.What was Monahan’s attitude toward hosting the festival?
A.Negative. B.Indifferent.
C.Unsure. D.Positive.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
The killdeer, a small bird known for its high-pitched(声调高的)call, could lead to the cancellation(取消) of one of Canada’ biggest music festivals.
The first hint of trouble for Ottawa’s Bluesfest, an outdoor festival that draws around 300,000 people each year, came last week after workers at the site found one of the birds.It had laid four eggs nearby, effectively claiming the main stage area as its nesting ground.“This is one of the most challenging problems we’ve been presented with, but we feel we can work through this,” said Mark Monahan, executive director of the festival.“Anything that changes the schedule has a major effect, so we’re taking it very seriously.”
The discovery meant that government officials rushed to protect the nest and the eggs, hiring a security guard to watch over them 24 hours a day.
Environmentalists were also brought in.“We don’t know when the eggs might hatch,” said Monahan. What is known is that the young killdeer will likely leave the nest soon after they are hatched, leading many to hope that the eggs hatch in the next day or so.
The festival is now seeking permission from Environment Canada to relocate(搬迁)the nest some 50 meters away or take it to a wildlife center.Moving the nest would also ensure the bird and its young would be protected during the festival’s 11-day run, said Monahan. It’s highly likely that the festival’s thousands of attendees would cause huge problems for the bird and its eggs.Monahan was confident that the festival would go on as planned, however.“Most of the people we’re working with are looking for a positive solution,” Monahan said.“There is no one saying that the festival can’t go on.”
As news of the dilemma spread, it left residents divided. Some supported the bird, saying that moving the nest might result in the eggs being abandoned.Others expressed annoyance that protecting the eggs of the small bird, which is widespread across North America, was risking an annual festival that contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.
The killdeer’s tendency to build its nest in open fields or flat areas has caused issues in other areas of the US: earlier this year, construction of a health center in Wisconsin was temporarily stopped after a killdeer and its four eggs were discovered.
1.What can we learn about Bluesfest?
A.It is the first music festival in Canada.
B.It is an important event for music lovers.
C.It is a music festival held every two years.
D.It is a challenging outdoor activity in Ottawa.
2.What was especially challenging for Bluesfest this year?
A.Pressure from the government.
B.Disagreements with the public.
C.The need to protect the bird’s eggs.
D.The lack of experience in hosting the event.
3.How did the festival plan to deal with the problem?
A.Move the nest to another place. B.Ask government officials for help.
C.Seek advice from environmentalists. D.Hire security guards to protect the eggs.
4.The underlined word “dilemma” is closest in meaning to “______”.
A.a difficult situation B.an extreme situation
C.a dangerous situation D.an encouraging situation
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The killdeer, a small bird known for its high-pitched ( 声调高的) call, could lead to the cancellation of one of Canada’ biggest music festivals.
The first hint of trouble for Ottawa’s Bluesfest, an outdoor festival that draws around 300,000 people each year, came last week after workers at the site found one of the birds.
It had laid four eggs nearby, effectively claiming the main stage area as its nesting ground. “This is one of the most challenging problems we’ve been presented with, but we feel we can work through this,” said Mark Monahan, executive director of the festival.
“Anything that changes the schedule has a major effect, so we’re taking it very seriously.” The discovery meant that government officials rushed to protect the nest and the eggs, hiring a security guard to watch over them 24 hours a day. Environmentalists were also brought in.
“We don’t know when the eggs might hatch,” said Monahan. What is known is that the young killdeer will likely leave the nest soon after they are hatched, leading many to hope that the eggs hatch in the next day or so.
The festival is now seeking permission from Environment Canada to relocate the nest some 50 meters away or take it to a wildlife center.
Moving the nest would also ensure the bird and its young would be protected during the festival’s 11-day run, said Monahan. It’s highly likely that the festival’s thousands of attendees would cause huge problems for the bird and its eggs.
Monahan was confident that the festival would go on as planned, however.
“Most of the people we’re working with are looking for a positive solution,” Monahan said. “There is no one saying that the festival can’t go on.”
As news of the dilemma spread, it left residents divided. Some supported the bird, saying that moving the nest might result in the eggs being abandoned.
Others expressed annoyance that protecting the eggs of the small bird, which is widespread across North America, was risking an annual festival that contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.
The killdeer’s tendency to build its nest in open fields or flat areas has caused issues in other areas of the US: earlier this year, construction on a health center in Wisconsin was temporarily stopped after a killdeer and its four eggs were discovered.
1.What can we learn about Bluesfest?
A.It is the first music festival in Canada.
B.It is an important event for music lovers.
C.It is a music festival held every two years.
D.It is a challenging outdoor activity in Ottawa.
2.What was especially challenging for Bluesfest this year?
A.Pressure from the government.
B.Disagreements with the public.
C.The need to protect the bird’s eggs.
D.The lack of experience in hosting the event.
3.How did the festival plan to deal with the problem?
A.Move the nest to another place.
B.Ask government officials for help.
C.Seek advice from environmentalists.
D.Hire security guards to protect the eggs.
4.What was Monahan’s attitude toward hosting the festival?
A.Negative. B.Positive.
C.Unsure. D.Indifferent.
5.The underlined word “dilemma” is closest in meaning to “ ”.
A.a difficult situation
B.an extreme situation
C.a dangerous situation
D.an encouraging situation
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The killdeer, a small bird known for its high-pitched call, could lead to the cancellation of one of Canada’ biggest music festivals.
The first hint of trouble for Ottawa’s Bluesfest, an outdoor festival that draws around 300,000 people each year, came last week after workers at the site found one of the birds. It had laid four eggs nearby, effectively claiming the main stage area as its nesting ground. “This is one of the most challenging problems we’ve been presented with, but we feel we can work through this,” said Mark Monahan, executive director of the festival.
“Anything that changes the schedule has a major effect, so we’re taking it very seriously.” The discovery meant that government officials rushed to protect the nest and the eggs, hiring a security guard to watch over them 24 hours a day. Environmentalists were also brought in.
“We don’t know when the eggs might hatch,” said Monahan. What is known is that the young killdeer will likely leave the nest soon after they are hatched, leading many to hope that the eggs hatch in the next day or so.
The festival is now seeking permission from Environment Canada to relocate the nest some 50 meters away or take it to a wildlife center. Moving the nest would also ensure the bird and its young would be protected during the festival’s 11-day run, said Monahan. It’s highly likely that the festival’s thousands of attendees would cause huge problems for the bird and its eggs.
Monahan was confident that the festival would go on as planned, however. “Most of the people we’re working with are looking for a positive solution,” Monahan said. “There is no one saying that the festival can’t go on.”
As news of the dilemma spread, it left residents divided. Some supported the bird, saying that moving the nest might result in the eggs being abandoned. Others expressed annoyance that protecting the eggs of the small bird, which is widespread across North America, was risking an annual festival that contributes millions of dollars to the local economy.
The killdeer’s tendency to build its nest in open fields or flat areas has caused issues in other areas of the US: earlier this year, construction on a health center in Wisconsin was temporarily stopped after a killdeer and its four eggs were discovered.
1.Which is TRUE about Bluesfest?
A.It is the first music festival in Canada.
B.It is an important event for music lovers.
C.It is a music festival held every two years.
D.It is a challenging outdoor activity in Ottawa.
2.What was especially challenging for Bluesfest this year?
A.Pressure from the government.
B.Disagreements with the public.
C.The need to protect the bird’s eggs.
D.The lack of experience in hosting the event.
3.How did the festival plan to deal with the problem?
A.Move the nest to another place.
B.Ask government officials for help.
C.Seek advice from environmentalists.
D.Hire security guards to protect the eggs.
4.What was Monahan’s attitude toward hosting the festival?
A.Negative. B.Indifferent.
C.Unsure. D.Positive.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The small unframed painting called “Fisherman” was signed by a little-known Italian artist, Maveleone (1669-1740). When it was sold recently in New York for $27,000, the seller, Mr. Oliver Pitt, was asked to explain how the picture had come into his possession.
Pitt said, “I didn’t know it was so valuable. I’m not an art expert. Photography is my hobby. I bought ‘Fisherman’ in Italy in 1970 for $140. The picture was dirty, and I couldn’t see the artist’s signature. But anyway it wasn’t the picture that I liked. I bought it because of the frame. ”
“It’s a most unusual frame, made of tiny, silvery sea-shells. They are set in such a way that they reflect perfect light onto the surface of a picture. I now have a photograph of my wife in that frame, and I’ll never part with it.”
“When I returned to New York I showed the painting in its frame to a customs officer. I told him that I had paid $140 for it but admitted I didn’t know its actual worth. The customs man valued it at $140, and I was asked to pay duty on that value. I did so, there and then. ”
“Later, I took off the frame, and that uncovered Maveleone’s signature. My wife suggested in fun that the painting might be a valuable one, so I cleaned it and put it up for sale.”
As a result of this explanation, Oliver Pitt had to appear in court. He was accused of knowingly making a false statement of the value of a picture so as to cheat the Customs Department.
Pitt was not happy. “I told the truth as I knew it then,” he said, “What else could I say?”
And then the judge agreed with him. “The Customs Department is to be responsible,” he said, “for making a true valuation of goods brought into the country, so that the correct amount of duty may be charged. Mr. Pitt did not cause or try to cause the mistake that was made. He paid the duty that was demanded. If, now, the Customs Department finds that its valuation was not correct, it cannot be allowed to have another try. Pitt is not guilty”.
1.When Oliver Pitt bought the picture, ________.
A. it was unframed B. Maveleone signed the deal
C. he suggested that it was valuable D. it was the frame that attracted him
2. From the passage we can infer that if Maveleone had been a well-known artist, _.
A. the painting would have cost much more than $ 140
B. he wouldn’t have sold his painting
C. the customs officer wouldn’t have been cheated
D. Pitt wouldn’t have had the intention to buy any of his paintings
3. Pitt took off the frame probably in order to _.
A. clean the painting to put it up for sale
B. look for the artist’s signature
C. use it for his wife’s photograph
D. find the painting’s true value
4.Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the story?
A. In the end Pitt was asked to pay the correct amount of duty.
B. In the end Pitt sold the frame of the painting at an even higher price.
C. In the end the Customs Department had no right to revalue the painting.
D. In the end Pitt’s wife was regarded as an expert because of her wise suggestion.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Toucans(巨嘴鸟), a kind of tropical birds known for its colorful beak, are very smart. In Mexico, my dad became friends with a toucan that was in a “walk in and see the birds” cage. The toucan was so smart that it knew how to get out. It just needed some human to help it. It almost flew out while we were leaving!
I also noticed that all toucans have different beaks! They also have very long unique beaks with an extremely long tongue. It struts(大摇大摆地走) around with its chest sticking out and beak pointed forward. The toucan is a beautiful bird! The beak has a red tip (different shades on every one), but sometimes there is a little turquoise on the bottom half. Then, right where the beak separates there is a splotch of yellow. And the rest of the beak is green. The toucan takes very much pride of itself.
The toucan eats fruit and seeds. The ramphastidae(the toucan family) is known for its long beak, and 37 species. Toucans also feed on insects, small lizards, bird nestlings and eggs. They nest in hollow trees where they incubate and care for their young.They are found in the woody areas.
Of the various toucan facts, here is an odd one. Citizens of Central and South America associate the toucans with evil spirits. They think the birds can be the personification of evils. Where couvades(父代母育) is practiced, the father of a new child must not eat toucan flesh as it is believed to bewitch the new-born child. Yet the toucan can also be a tribal totem(图腾). So the medicine men use it as a symbol to fly to the spirit world.
60. 1.Which of the following words is NOT suitable to describe toucans?
A. Intelligent B. Confident C. Dangerous D. Colorful
61. 2.The second paragraph mainly talks about _______.
A. where toucans strut around B. how toucans get food
C. what toucans look like D. when toucans lay eggs
62. 3.What does the underlined word“incubate”probably mean in paragraph 3?
A.Hatch eggs B.Take cover C.Gather strength D.Keep warm
63. 4.We can learn from the last paragraph that _______.
A. all citizens of Central and South America are afraid of toucans
B. the toucans can also be used as medicine to cure diseases
C. a new child must not eat toucan flesh because it is poisonous
D. some people believe toucans can bring them misfortune
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
it is normal for parrots to talk, Einstein, a small bird, is unusual in that whenever she hears a new word or sound, she repeats it over and over until she masters it.
A. As B. When C. While D. Since
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Birds have long been known to be the disease carries for years, but now they are receiving so much pressure due to Avian Bird Flu. Bird cause health danger to humans and animals in or around their droppings.
Bird Buffer Q2, is designed to protect your facility from unwanted troublesome birds naturally, and is especially effective for sparrow control. When birds keep coming back and you’ve tried everything imaginable, it’s time for Bird Buffer Q2.
Bird control is now safe, easy, and economical with Bird Buffer. The Bird Buffer is also simple to operate. Just hang it with Bird Buffer cables or set it on the roof. Fill it with the specially?prepared liquid, and turn it on. It is that simple. Bird Buffer Q2 is a permanent, automatic and cost?effective commercial process for indoor and outdoor bird control. Contact Bird Buffer LLC @www. Birdbuffer.com or call 866-557-4274.
Bird Buffer Q2 Frequently Asked Questions:
a) How does Bird Buffer Q2 work?
It is operated by an electrically?controlled sprayer(喷雾器)to spread the vapor at 90 mph over larger areas. A time releases the vapor every 2 minutes into the air to keep fresh vapor in the area for birds. When birds fly through the area, the tiny particles(颗粒) of vapor enter the birds breathing system, making the birds fly away. When the birds come back, they once again breathe the particles and fly away. After a few weeks, birds remember their responses and stay away.
b) How much water is needed per month?
About one gallon a mouth
c) How long does it take to get bird control?
Usually two weeks is enough to control flocks of birds from the treated area. It takes time for the birds to find a new home and new feeding grounds.
1.It can be inferred that the text is used_________. .
A.to promote the product
B.to warn people not to go near birds
C.to remind people of the present situation of bird control is
D.to inform people what the present situation of bird control is
2.Where can Bird Buffer Q2 be most likely used?
A.In basements. B.In wild forests.
C.In wildlife zoos. D.In outdoor restaurants.
3.Which of the following words can best describe Bird Buffer Q2?
A.Attractive B.Inexpensive C.Time?saving D.Dangerous
4.All of the following aspects of bird control using Bird Buffer Q2 are mentioned except_______.
A.the time taken B.the amount of water needed
C.the way it works D.the side effects brought about
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It may be common knowledge that what British people call “football” is known as “soccer” in the US, and “colour” in British English(BrE) goes without the “u” in American English (AmE). But according to a chart made recently by website Grammar Check, these are far from being the only differences between the two countries’ use of English. The chart outlined 63 of the main contrasts between BrE and AmE, from the more well-known “lift/elevator” and “autumn/fall” to the lesser-known “garden/yard” and “petrol/gasoline”.
Some of the vocabulary mismatches are so different that two people in a conversation may fail to understand each other. For example,the two countries have different names for certain food. “ Biscuits “ and “sweets” in Britain are known as “cookies” and “candy” , respectively, in the US. But while getting food names mixed up only causes confusion, some misunderstandings may lead to embarrassment if you’re not careful. I f a British man in the US is asked to show up a party in “pants”, there’s a chance that he might get a lot of stares from other guests. “Pants” in the UK means underwear. “Trousers” are what you need to ask a British friend to wear if you don’t want them to cause a scene among your friends.
However, even if 63 is already a lot, there are still many differences that the chart failed to cover. If a US girl walks into a UK barber and says “I want to have my bangs fixed”, for example, it could take a while before the hairdresser realizes what she means is actually her “fringe”.
1.By presenting the first paragraph, the author mainly tell us .
A. the chart is made by Grammar Check
B. people are much more familiar with “lift/elevator”
C. BrE and AmE are different in spelling
D. There are many differences between BrE and AmE
2.If a British man is asked to join in a party in “pants”, he might .
A. get into an embarrassment
B. be attractive among his friends
C. be puzzled at others’ dresses
D. ask for a pair of trousers instead
3.Why is the example in the barber mentioned?
A. To confirm some examples are unknown.
B. To support the author's opinion on the topic.
C. To indicate the British are slow in understanding.
D. To show the hairdresser isn’t familiar with “bangs”.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The small town is so good a place ______ many people come to visit ______ it has become well known all over the world.
A.that; that B.as; as
C.that; as D.as; that
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
It used to be mostly the army that used small, unpiloted aircraft, called “drones”. The little planes were very costly. But as they have dropped in price more people have begun to use them.
The fast rate of development of computer technology, image sensing equipment, satellite navigation and smart phones has led to lower-priced drones. Researchers and developers have learned how to build smaller and less costly drones. Nowadays, moviemakers are using drones to film from the sky. Historians use them when they explore ancient buildings. Rescue workers use them to look for people. And now farmers are also using them to watch over their crops.
Romain Faroux is a French businessman, whose father was a farmer. He believed drones could help farmers. He has helped create a company which has developed a small drone that could be controlled by people on the ground. It’s called “Agridrone”. It uses a special sensor to examine crops. The technology used on the drone is similar to that used on a smartphone -- except it has wings. A computer program directs the drone to fly over the crops. The sensor on the drone records four different-colored “bands” of sunlight that are reflected off the crops.
Jean-Baptiste Bruggeman is another farmer in France who is using a drone. He says the drone flies over his crops at different times of the season and provides a lot of information about his crops. The pictures taken by the drone show him the exact amount of fertilizer the crops need. It also shows exactly where the fertilizer is needed.
Romain Faroux says farmers use information provided by the Agridrone to place fertilizer only in areas where it is needed. This saves money and reduces pollution. Before they used the drones, farmers would put the same amount of fertilizer everywhere. Drones also save time because farmers can examine up to three hectares (英亩) in about a minute.
1.Why do rescue workers and farmers begin to use drones?
A.Because they are affordable now.
B.Because their sizes have become smaller.
C.Because they can save people a lot of time.
D.Because the technology has been developed.
2.What is the sensor on the drone mainly used for?
A.Helping the sunlight shine on the crops.
B.Directing the wings to fly over the crops.
C.Examining the different colors of the crops.
D.Recording the sunlight “bands” reflected off the crops.
3.What does the underlined word “it” in paragraph 3 probably refer to?
A.A smartphone. B.A sensor.
C.A drone. D.A band.
4.What is the main idea of the text?
A.Crops will be harvested by drones soon.
B.Drones will be widely used in different fields.
C.French farmers use drones to examine their crops.
D.Farmers develop special drones for their crops.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析