An international team of scientists has discovered a stellar black hole in Earth’s “cosmic backyard” containing the mass of 70 suns.
It’s a black hole that forms after stars die, collapse, and explode. Researchers had long believed that the size limit was only 20 times the mass of our sun because as these stars die, they lose most of their mass through explosions that force matter and gas swept away by stellar winds.
This theory has now been toppled by LB-1, the newly discovered black hole. Located about 15,000 light years away, it has a mass 70 times greater than our sun, according to a press release from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“Black holes of such mass should not even exist in our galaxy (星系), according to most of the present models of stellar evolution,” said Liu Jifeng, head of the team that made the discovery.
“LB-1 is twice as massive as what we thought possible. Now theorists will have to take up the challenge of explaining its formation.”
Scientists are now scratching their heads at how LB-1 got so huge.
The team has proposed some theories. LB-1’s sheer size suggests that it “was not formed from the collapse of only one star,” the study said — instead, it could potentially be two smaller black holes orbiting each other.
Another possibility is that it formed from “fallback supernova (超行星).” This is when a supernova — the last stage of an exploding star — ejects (喷射) material during the explosion, which then falls back into the supernova, creating a black hole. This fallback formation is theoretically possible, but scientists have never been able to prove or observe it.
There are several types of black holes and stellar black holes like LB-1 are on the smaller side, according to NASA. Supermassive black holes are much bigger — they can be billions of times the mass of our sun.
Scientists believe supermassive black holes may have connection with the formation of galaxies, as they often exist at the center of the mass star stems but it is still not clear exactly how, or which form first.
1.According to scientists, what might account for the formation of LB-1?
A.The material ejected in the explosion of a supernova.
B.The smaller black holes moving around each other.
C.The evolution of the solar system.
D.The collapse of a certain star.
2.What does the word “toppled” in paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.Confirmed B.Strengthened. C.Overturned. D.Refused.
3.What is the purpose of writing this article?
A.To inform readers of the basic knowledge about black holes.
B.To share the recent development of the black hole discovery.
C.To show the importance of discovering black holes for science.
D.To report achievements scientists have made in black hole theory.
4.What might be the best title for the passage?
A.The Latest Discovery of Galaxies
B.Proposed Theories of Black Holes
C.The Possible Formation of the Black Holes
D.Biggest Stellar-mass Black Hole Discovered
高一英语阅读选择中等难度题
An international team of scientists has discovered a stellar black hole in Earth’s “cosmic backyard” containing the mass of 70 suns.
It’s a black hole that forms after stars die, collapse, and explode. Researchers had long believed that the size limit was only 20 times the mass of our sun because as these stars die, they lose most of their mass through explosions that force matter and gas swept away by stellar winds.
This theory has now been toppled by LB-1, the newly discovered black hole. Located about 15,000 light years away, it has a mass 70 times greater than our sun, according to a press release from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“Black holes of such mass should not even exist in our galaxy (星系), according to most of the present models of stellar evolution,” said Liu Jifeng, head of the team that made the discovery.
“LB-1 is twice as massive as what we thought possible. Now theorists will have to take up the challenge of explaining its formation.”
Scientists are now scratching their heads at how LB-1 got so huge.
The team has proposed some theories. LB-1’s sheer size suggests that it “was not formed from the collapse of only one star,” the study said — instead, it could potentially be two smaller black holes orbiting each other.
Another possibility is that it formed from “fallback supernova (超行星).” This is when a supernova — the last stage of an exploding star — ejects (喷射) material during the explosion, which then falls back into the supernova, creating a black hole. This fallback formation is theoretically possible, but scientists have never been able to prove or observe it.
There are several types of black holes and stellar black holes like LB-1 are on the smaller side, according to NASA. Supermassive black holes are much bigger — they can be billions of times the mass of our sun.
Scientists believe supermassive black holes may have connection with the formation of galaxies, as they often exist at the center of the mass star stems but it is still not clear exactly how, or which form first.
1.According to scientists, what might account for the formation of LB-1?
A.The material ejected in the explosion of a supernova.
B.The smaller black holes moving around each other.
C.The evolution of the solar system.
D.The collapse of a certain star.
2.What does the word “toppled” in paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.Confirmed B.Strengthened. C.Overturned. D.Refused.
3.What is the purpose of writing this article?
A.To inform readers of the basic knowledge about black holes.
B.To share the recent development of the black hole discovery.
C.To show the importance of discovering black holes for science.
D.To report achievements scientists have made in black hole theory.
4.What might be the best title for the passage?
A.The Latest Discovery of Galaxies
B.Proposed Theories of Black Holes
C.The Possible Formation of the Black Holes
D.Biggest Stellar-mass Black Hole Discovered
高一英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析
For many years, Bruce Bexler dreamed of going where no human had gone before. He wanted to cut a path through unexplored lands and discover rare species.
That might sound like an impossible dream, but Bexler turned it into a reality.
In December 2015, he and a team of Australian scientists explored an isolated rainforest on the island of New Guinea. They were the first people to enter the region. “As time was limited, we were dropped in by helicopter. Once we were on the ground, there were no trails anywhere; it was really hard to get around,” Bexler says.
Within minutes of landing, the team spotted a black chicken-like bird with strange orange skin hanging from its neck. The scientists soon determined that the unusual creature was a type of honeyeater — the first new bird species to be sighted on New Guinea in 60 years.
The honeyeater wasn’t the only surprise for the scientists. They discovered more than 40 previously unknown plant and animal species — 13 birds of paradise, 20 frogs, four butterflies, and five palms. “We were like kids in a candy store,” Bexler recalls. “Everywhere we looked, we saw amazing things we had never seen before.”
The newfound species didn’t shy away from the scientists. Two long-nosed echidnas — primitive egg-laying mammals — let the visitors pick them up and take them back to camp to study them.
Bexler thinks the animals weren’t frightened because they had never seen humans before. “In almost all parts of New Guinea, animals are hunted for food, and because of this, they are very cautious of people,” he explains. “This area gives scientists a place where they can go to study the behaviors of animals that have not yet learned to be afraid of people.”
Scientists believe the area is probably the largest untouched forest in Asia. Bexler and his team did not have enough time to study the area completely. They hope to return to record more undiscovered species. “We just scratched the surface,” Bexler says. “Anyone who goes there will come back with a mystery.”
1.Which word best describes Bruce Bexler?
A.Modest. B.Adventurous.
C.Optimistic. D.Confident.
2.What does Bruce Bexler mean in Paragraph 5 when he says the scientists “were like kids in a candy store”?
A.They didn’t have enough food and were hungry.
B.They were very excited about what they saw.
C.They were behaving like naughty children.
D.They knew that if they kept searching, they’d find sugar.
3.Why did some of the animals allow the scientists to pick them up?
A.The scientists seemed to be very friendly.
B.The scientists were good at handling animals.
C.The animals had been well-trained by the local people.
D.The animals had no experience or fear of people.
4.What can we conclude about the area Bruce Bexler explored?
A.The best way to explore the area is by helicopter.
B.The area has not been visited by scientists for many years.
C.The area still contains many plants and animals unknown to science.
D.The locals are unwilling to allow the scientists to enter the deep woods.
高一英语阅读选择简单题查看答案及解析
A scientist believes he has discovered a direct link between people's favourite sleeping position and their personality. Professor Chris Idzikowski has described six different positions and what each one says about a person’s character. The professor, who did the research for a hotel group, said, “We are all aware of our body language when we are awake but this is the first time we have been able to see what our position says about us when we are asleep.” At the moment, Professor Idzikowski is trying to sleep in a yoga position that involves crossing your legs around your neck. He says there is no perfect position for sleeping.
1. THE STARFISH
“Starfish” sleep flat on their back with their arms raised. They are good listeners who make friends easily but do not like to be the centre of the attention.
2. THE YEARNER
“Yearners” sleep on their side with their arms raised. They are doubtful and have a very sensible approach to life.
3. THE FOETUS
The most popular position, particularly among women. They sleep curled（蜷缩）up on their side, holding on to the pillow. They appear to be tough but are actually sensitive and shy.
4. THE FREEFALLER
Only 6.5% of people prefer to sleep on their front, making this the least popular sleeping position. “Freefallers” seem very confident, although this hides a nervous personality.
5. THE LOG
The “log” position is similar to the “yearner” but with arms by the sides. “Logs” are easy-going and sociable, but can be seen as too gullible, easily to be tricked.
6. THE SOLDIER
“Soldiers”, who sleep on their back with their arms by their sides, are quiet and reserved. They set high standards for themselves and do not like noisy social situations.
1.What can we infer from Paragraph 1?
A. The yoga sleeping position is the best one.
B. People don't know their body language when awake.
C. People's sleeping position determines their personality.
D. Professor Idzikowski shows great interest in sleeping positions.
2.Which of the following sayings about the sleeping position is correct?
A. “Foetus” seem to be strong but sensitive.
B. “Yearners” sleep on their back with their arms raised.
C. “Starfish” like to be the focus of the attention.
D. “Soldiers” sleep on their side with their arms by their sides.
3.What does the underlined word gullible mean in Paragraph 6?
A. Easily annoyed. B. Easily approached.
C. Easily cheated. D. Easily satisfied.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The World Health Organization has said it would set up international working team of various functions to offer countries advice on fighting against flu(流感).
The health agency said in a report that it would render necessary report to the countries where animal or human flu cases(病例) were found and those who were making flu vaccine（疫苗) search or preparing to produce vaccines ,a poisonous substance(物质) containing a virus used to protect people against disease.
The working teams would be formed to offer advice directly to the government of the nations according to their needs, concerns and capabilities(能力)，
The groups would pay attention to the problems related to human vaccine production. They meant to increase vaccine production in an efficient and economic benefits(利益).
The WHO also said that several countries' practice of fighting bird flu were worthwhile but too expensive. It suggested that an international expert team be set up to carry out such exercises to make sure the fighting experiences can be shared among countries.
1.The WHO was trying to .
A. earn as much money as possible by offering advice to several countries.
B. assist(帮助) several countries suffering from bird flu or making flu vaccine.
C. send experts to cure the patients infected by did flu.
D. offer advice on how to improve these countries' health care.
2.The underlined word "render" in the text probably means
A. force. B. press.
C. pick. D. give.
3.According to the passage, we can infer that .
A. several countries were carrying out practical exercises of bird flu.
B. the international working teams of various functions already came into being (形成).
C. the working teams thought both increasing vaccine production and helping the countries could get profits efficiently.
D. several countries are fighting flu seriously but lacking in cooperation with each other.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Compared to other causes of natural disasters, volcanoes offer clues only when they are about to erupt. Now, however, developments in monitoring systems have allowed scientists to develop sensors to detect and forecast eruptions more accurately.
University of Cambridge volcanologist Marie Edmonds says that scientists are now able to use very accurate sensors to monitor the gases volcanoes give out, which can give clues on the location of the magma. The sensors help with prediction because different gases are released at different stages of an eruption. When magma rises, pressure is released along with gases. Carbon dioxide is released early on and then, as the magma goes higher, Sulphur dioxide is released. The ratio of the two gases is used to detect the location of magma relative to the surface, telling researchers the coming of the eruption.
Edmonds is connected to an international group known as the Deep Carbon Observatory that has worked to put new gas sensors on fifteen of the most active and dangerous volcanoes to improve the forecasting of various types of eruptions. The gas sensors continually measure water vapor, sulphur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. They are placed inside large boxes with surface antennae and buried underground. Advances in electronics have increased their accuracy and lowered their cost, allowing more of them to be used worldwide.
Putting these sensors atop active volcanoes is dangerous. Scientists wear reflective suits that protect against heat, plus gas masks for protection from dangerous gases. They sometimes hike long distances in remote areas to reach a site. However, according to Edmonds, the work they do to save people’s lives makes a dangerous job worth it. She enjoys doing something that helps people.
Edmonds’ team has also attached sensors to a certain plane to measure gases released from a Papua New Guinea volcano for a short time, a technique developed to gather “snapshots” of the activity. These snapshots help researchers to better understand activities that lead to eruptions.
1.How do sensors detect and predict volcanic eruptions?
A.By sending warnings to researchers. B.By testing different gases released.
C.By measuring the heat underground. D.By studying the surrounding gases.
2.What do we know about the gas sensors?
A.They should be attached to the magma. B.They are available around the world.
C.They become more accurate and expensive. D.They can check various types of eruptions.
3.Why is it risky to place sensors atop active volcanoes?
A.Active volcanoes may erupt at any time. B.It’s hard to find the top of volcanoes.
C.Scientists are short of enough suits and masks. D.There is heat and dangerous gases
4.What can the snapshots do?
A.Predict volcanic eruptions earlier. B.Attract people’s attention to volcanoes.
C.Collect more information for researchers D.Avoid the danger of the researchers’ work.
高一英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析
An international group of coffee experts has considered Ethiopia’s coffee as the best in the world.Coffee is a top export (出口物) of the country. But at home, it is seen as national pride. Ethiopians feel good about their coffee, and enjoying a drink with friends is a long tradition.
Some people say the climate produces quality beans. Morton Wennersgarrd is a coffee importer. He said, “Ethiopia has different ancient types of coffee. They are planted in places with perfect soil, perfect altitude (海拔), and climates that are really suitable for coffee processing.”
Finding the best quality beans is often an issue of taste. The process is known as cupping — tasting and comparing coffee from different roasted beans, grading and then pricing them. But before international experts come to taste, coffee beans are studied in small coffee laboratories. Helen Assefa, a lab technician, describes the process, “When the coffee comes to the lab, we assess (评价) its quality first by recording the details.Then we weigh the moisture (水分) level and we examine the beans for analysis. After that we grind (磨碎) the coffee beans and taste the samples. In the end, we check for defective (有瑕疵的) beans.” Mubarik Abaoli is a lab worker.He says that testing is a very difficult and long process. “We select out the defects by hand. And we select out the defect according to the defect types.”
Ethiopia has got a lot of money by exporting coffee to more than 120 countries. The country has an export revenue (税收) of more than 840 million a year. But not all the best coffee leaves Ethiopia. Forty percent of the coffee grown in the country stays there. It remains an important part of everyday life at work, at home and at ceremonies.
1.Ethiopians’ attitude towards coffee may best be described as .
A.proud B.relaxed
C.brave D.doubtful
2.The third paragraph is mainly about_______.
A.the ways of making coffee
B.the process of assessing the coffee
C.the tips on planting the best coffee
D.the influence of the coffee
3.What can we learn from the last paragraph?
A.More than 120 countries export coffee to Ethiopia.
B.Coffee plays an important role in Ethiopians’ life.
C.40% of the coffee grown in Ethiopia is exported.
D.Ethiopians earn their living by exporting coffee.
4.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A.To advertise the coffee in Ethiopia.
B.To comment on coffee experts’ work.
C.To introduce the best coffee in the world.
D.To recommend tourists activities in Ethiopia.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The team I work in just has 2 new interns（实习生）, and I happen to be their supervisor.
After todays lunch break, I saw that one of them was reading things on her smart-phone, maybe on some social network, I guessed. I went to her and said “There’s another document here needing translation. Do you have time to finish it for me?”
That document was not in her assigned workload. But I thought I could let her challenge herself a little bit with it, seeing that she seemed to have time.
“Yes, I do have time.” She said, “But I’m just an intern.”
I didn’t quite know what to say back then. After a while I mumbled（咕哝） “Right. Yes.” And I turned around and left.
I recalled the time when I was an intern for the first time. I, too, managed to finish my workload so fast, just like her. So I asked my supervisor “Is there anything else that I can help?” And she happened to have a plan to make. But she didn’t have time. So she let me do the research and make a draft for her.
I was not very familiar with the job but still tried to carry it out based on my understanding and make it as professional as possible. And my supervisor was really satisfied with the draft. Later, she told me “You saved me a lot of time. I didn’t need to create it from scratch.” And she told me in details how I should have done the plan differently. I learned a lot about the operation in the process. After that, she had come to trust me completely. I got my current job all because of her recommendation.
Yes, I was just an intern with a low salary. But I bought a better future with my extra labor.
There’s a kind of poverty called shortsightedness.
1.What was the intern doing when the supervisor saw her?
A. reading things. B. having lunch.
C. translating documents. D. doing her workload.
2.Why did the supervisor tum around and leave?
A. She wanted to translate the document. B. She got extremely angry.
C. She had nothing o say back. D. She finished her workload.
3.What do you think of the supervisor?
A. Far-sighted. B. Considerate.
C. Aggressive. D. Strict.
4.What should you do as an interrn according to the text?
A. To finish the workload as fast as possible.
B. To actively do some extra labor and learn more.
C. To make more and more plans and carry them out.
D. To help your supervisor as much as possible.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Breathing dirty air can cost someone's life span(寿命) months—even years, a new study finds.Worldwide, air pollution lowers average life spans by a year. Scientists shared their new findings in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
Air pollution has been linked to many health problems.Most earlier studies has looked at how tiny air pollutants affected rates of illness or death. But now an environmental scientist, Joshua Apte, is going even further. He works at the University of Texas, Austin. He together with his team is looking at life expectancy, hoping to make the threat easier to understand.
PM 2.5 is what scientists call tiny particles of pollution in the air. Higher levels of PM 2. 5 can cause health problems and cut months, if not years, from the average life span. This analysis show show pollution affects life expectancy in different parts of the world.
The World Health Organization(WHO) recommends limiting PM 2.5 to 10 micrograms(微克) per cubic (立方)meter of air. Apte's group used data to try to find how this low level would help people. But meeting the WHO standard won't get rid of health damage from dirty air.That's because even below 10 micrograms per cubic meter pollution still causes huge risks.
Reducing air pollution could increase life expectancy. The scientists also compared how other threats shorten life spans across the globe. These risk factors included smoking and cancer.
These results show that in poor countries, cleaning up dirty air could greatly increase life spans. It could have as big an effect as cleaning up drinking water, or curing lung cancer. However, in wealthier countries air pollution shortens life expectancy by less than half a year. All forms of cancer, in fact, shorten the average life expectancy by more than 3.5 years.“Knowing this can really help people, or policymakers, decide where to spend their money,” says Kirk Smith.
1.What is Joshua Apte's team trying to do?
A.Let people understand air pollution better. B.Know how small air pollutants are.
C.Study the life expectancy of different people. D.Study many different healthy problems.
2.What will happen if one country limits PM 2.5 to 10 micrograms per cube meters?
A.Its people will live a healthy life. B.Its air is very clean.
C.It will get a prize from WHO. D.It still has pollution risks.
3.What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A.Cancer is the leading killer in all kinds of diseases.
B.It's very hard to clean up dirty air in a short time.
C.The study will help different countries take different policies.
D.Reducing air pollution can increase all people's lifespans much.
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A.The Effect of Cancer Is Worse than Dirty Air
B.Air Pollution Is Shortening Lives Worldwide
C.Many Factors Are Affecting People's Health
D.Governments Are Trying to Make Life Span Long
高一英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析
[1] In 1856, a British survey team measured the height of Qomolangma with the result of 8,840 meters above sea level. However, the exact measurement has never been settled. In 1955, the figure was adjusted by an Indian survey team to 8,848 meters, and later to 8,850 meters according to a US team in 1999. And in 2005, a Chinese team gained a height of 8,844 meters, but that result wasn't widely accepted either.
[2] On May 6, 2020, a 30-member Chinese survey team, equipped with the latest technology, including a Global Navigation Satellite System receiver and a radar to measure the mountain's snow cap, is determined to settle the dispute (争议).
[3] But measuring Qomolangma is no easy task. The average air temperature there is -29℃ and hurricane-like winds blow all the time. According to Li Guopeng, leader of the No.1 Geodetic Survey Team of China's Ministry of Natural Resources, despite advanced technologies we now have — the likes of robots and drones — it’s uncertain that they can operate smoothly under extreme conditions, which is why sending human experts to the peak is still necessary to ensure a precise reading.
[4] But ______
[5] The truth is that measuring the height of Qomolangma is much more than just getting that one particular number. Mount Qomolangma is the perfect window for observing crustal (地壳的) movements. Tiny changes to the peak's height can indicate whether the two plates, the Eurasian plate and the Indian plate, are heading toward or away from each other. The survey team will also get firsthand information about the condition of the snow and other natural materials at the top, which could be an indicator of climate change on the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau.
[6] It might be true that settling a dispute was the driving force for continued exploration, but the good thing is that we always end up discovering so much more.
1.What is Paragraph 1 mainly about?
A.The importance of Qomolangma. B.The dispute of Qomolangma’s height.
C.The difficulty in measuring Qomolangma. D.The change of Qomolangma’s height.
2.What does Li Guopeng think of the new devices they carried?
A.They can read and deal with the results precisely.
B.They might break down under unusual conditions.
C.They are the latest advanced technology in the world.
D.They will work properly without human’s instructions.
3.Which of the following is best for the blank in the text?
A.what is the process of China’s measurement?
B.how is the latest technology used for the research?
C.does a tiny difference really matter for a huge mountain?
D.do extreme conditions actually affect the measurement?
4.What is to be discovered through the exact height of Qomolangma?
A.The depth of snowcap. B.The diversity of natural materials.
C.The state of crustal movements. D.The change of worldwide climate.
5.What is the writer’s purpose in writing the text?
A.To recommend a good way to settle a dispute.
B.To show the history of measuring Qomolangma.
C.To advertise China’s latest advanced technology.
D.To stress the value of China’s latest exploration in Qomolangma.
高一英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析
A Chinese team claimed victory at an international e-sports（电子竞技）championship held in Paris on Sunday.
Royal Never Give Up beat South Korean team Dragon X 3-1 to lift the crown at the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational 2018. It marked the first time in 1,106 days that a South Korean team had been defeated by a team from elsewhere at a major international League of Legends tournament（锦标赛）.
League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena video game that was launched in 2009 and rapidly built a following among members of the competitive gaming community. The tournament in Paris featured teams from 13 countries and regions competing for cash and a place in the global rankings.
Royal Never Give Up entered the contest fresh from their victory at the spring season of the Tencent League of Legends Pro League, the top level of China’s professional League of Legends league system. Their win in Paris was largely owing to star player Jian Zihao, aka Uzi. “I’ve been trying to win this title for six years now,” Jian said on stage following the victory. “I can’t imagine I’m standing here with this trophy. I’m super excited for this moment.” Royal Never Give Up’s victory has boosted confidence in China’s ability to win at major international e-sports events.
E-sports’ popularity has ballooned in recent years, with the International Olympic Committee scheduled to meet in July to further discuss the possibility of including e-sports in future Olympic Games. According to Penguin Intelligence’s 2017 China Game Industry Report, released in June, the annual market value of China’s e-sports sector reached 20 billion yuan ($3.13 billion) in 2016, generated by gamers’ spending, copyright distribution, merchandising and e-commerce. The number of registered online gamers jumped to 220 million in 2017 from 170 million the year before.
1.According to the passage, League of Legends is an ________.
A. e-sports team B. e-sports game
C. e-sports prize D. e-sports rule
2.The winner in the tournament will get ________ as an award.
A. flowers and applause B. praise and support
C. game coins and cards D. money and place
3.What is the main idea of the passage?
A. E-sports has become more popular.
B. E-sports will be included in Olympic Games.
C. More people have registered the e-sports.
D. A Chinese team won an international e-sports tournament.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析