Tuvalu, a tiny country in the Pacific Ocean, has asked for help as it fears it will be swallowed up by the sea.
Storms and huge waves are a constant threat and none of Tuvalu's nine little islands is more than five metres above sea level. Salt water is already entering the country's drinking water supply, as well as damaging plants that produce fruit and vegetable. Without urgent help, the country's days are numbered.
But Tuvalu is not the first place to face sinking into the sea. Venice, a historic city in Italy best known for its canals, has sunk about 24 cm over the past 100 years. Experts say that it will have sunk another 24 cm by 2050. A century ago, St. Mark's Square, the lowest point in the city, flooded about nine times a year. Nowadays, it happens more than 100 times. While Venice is slowly sinking into the mud on which it stands, Tuvalu's rising sea level is caused by global warming.
The average global temperature has increased by almost 0. 5 centigrade degrees over the past century, scientists expect it to rise by extra 1.3 degrees over the next 100 years.
Warmer weather makes glaciers(冰川) melt, adding more water to the ocean. The warmer temperatures also make water expand, so it takes up more space, causing the sea level to rise. The sea level has risen 10.25 cm in the last 100 years.
The main cause of global warming is human pollution. Through burning coal, oil and gas, people have been increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2. This adds to the power of the greenhouse effect, making the planet even warmer.
Many scientists believe that, if the warming is not stopped, there will be huge climate changes. The sea level could rise by one meter this century.
Should this come true, the sea will swallow up millions of homes and the world will be flooded with "climate refugees" looking for somewhere to live.
1. We can infer from the second paragraph that .
A. Tuvalu is in danger of being swallowed up by the sea
B. all Tuvalu's islands are about five metres above the sea level
C. drinking water in Tuvalu has been destroyed
D. Tuvalu is often flooded by storms and waves
2.The author uses Tuvalu and Venice as examples in order to explain .
A. they are the first places sinking into the sea
B. they are both sinking into the mud where they stand
C. they will disappear in the future
D. their trouble is caused by global warming
3.What does "climate refugees" mean?
A. People who are forced away from their homeland by climate.
B. Climate changes.
C. Rare animals.
D. Climate effect.
4.Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Tuvalu's nine little islands are less than five meters above the sea level.
B. The average global temperature has risen by 13 centigrade degrees over the past 100 years.
C. The warmer temperature causes the sea level to rise.
D. There will be huge climate changes unless the warming is stopped.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题
Tuvalu, a tiny country in the Pacific Ocean, has asked for help as it fears it will be swallowed up by the sea.
Storms and huge waves are a constant threat and none of Tuvalu's nine little islands is more than five metres above sea level. Salt water is already entering the country's drinking water supply, as well as damaging plants that produce fruit and vegetable. Without urgent help, the country's days are numbered.
But Tuvalu is not the first place to face sinking into the sea. Venice, a historic city in Italy best known for its canals, has sunk about 24 cm over the past 100 years. Experts say that it will have sunk another 24 cm by 2050. A century ago, St. Mark's Square, the lowest point in the city, flooded about nine times a year. Nowadays, it happens more than 100 times. While Venice is slowly sinking into the mud on which it stands, Tuvalu's rising sea level is caused by global warming.
The average global temperature has increased by almost 0. 5 centigrade degrees over the past century, scientists expect it to rise by extra 1.3 degrees over the next 100 years.
Warmer weather makes glaciers(冰川) melt, adding more water to the ocean. The warmer temperatures also make water expand, so it takes up more space, causing the sea level to rise. The sea level has risen 10.25 cm in the last 100 years.
The main cause of global warming is human pollution. Through burning coal, oil and gas, people have been increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2. This adds to the power of the greenhouse effect, making the planet even warmer.
Many scientists believe that, if the warming is not stopped, there will be huge climate changes. The sea level could rise by one meter this century.
Should this come true, the sea will swallow up millions of homes and the world will be flooded with "climate refugees" looking for somewhere to live.
1. We can infer from the second paragraph that .
A. Tuvalu is in danger of being swallowed up by the sea
B. all Tuvalu's islands are about five metres above the sea level
C. drinking water in Tuvalu has been destroyed
D. Tuvalu is often flooded by storms and waves
2.The author uses Tuvalu and Venice as examples in order to explain .
A. they are the first places sinking into the sea
B. they are both sinking into the mud where they stand
C. they will disappear in the future
D. their trouble is caused by global warming
3.What does "climate refugees" mean?
A. People who are forced away from their homeland by climate.
B. Climate changes.
C. Rare animals.
D. Climate effect.
4.Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Tuvalu's nine little islands are less than five meters above the sea level.
B. The average global temperature has risen by 13 centigrade degrees over the past 100 years.
C. The warmer temperature causes the sea level to rise.
D. There will be huge climate changes unless the warming is stopped.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific. It is tiny and has only nine islands with a population of just 11,000. In 1999, it was the third- poorest country in the world. The islanders earned just $1,000 each year.
But then something unusual happened. Tuvalu received an internet domain (领土) name—the letters “tv”. These letters were very interesting for many companies around the world. A communication company from California offered to buy the domain name “tv” for $40 m. For the Tuvalans this was a very large amount of money. The islanders became very rich.
Because of global warming, and because the islands are only 3m above sea level, Tuvalu will probably become the first country in the world that will disappear under the sea.
You can already see signs of the rising sea on Tuvalu. Some beaches are disappearing and you can see tree roots by the ocean. Cyclones(旋风)used to be very rare but they now appear a few times a year, and the rains that come with the cyclones cause flooding. Despite these problems, the Tuvalans had their new money. They could use it to buy themselves a future. Or at least they could use it to buy some time. Paul Lindsay, a documentary film-maker, took these questions with him all the way to Tuvalu, and came back with an incredible (难于置信的)story. As the water rises, the Tuvalans are using the money to develop the land. They are building new houses, planning nightclubs, restaurants and hotels and new cars are driving around on new roads. The residents do not think this is strange: “Just because we are sinking, it doesn’t mean we don’t want to raise our standards of living.” Sam Teo, Tuvalu’s minister for natural resources told Lindsay.
1.Which of the following information about Tuvalu is WRONG?
A. It only has a population of 11,000 people.
B. The average income of the Tuvalans is $1000 in 1999.
C. Tuvalu is only 3m high above sea level.
D. The Tuvalans received $40 million when they sold the domain name.
2.The biggest problem for the Tuvalans is _________.
A. poverty B. global warming
C. The small population D. cyclones
3.Which of the following match the beginnings with the endings is correct?
①The Tuvalans became rich…
②By the end of the century…
③The Tuvalans are spending their money
④When the sea rises…
a.on roads, cars and new buildings
b.the sea will cover the islands completely.
c.the Tuvalans will have to leave their islands
d.when they sold their internet domain name.
A.①-d, ②-b, ③-a, ④-c B. ①-c, ②-d, ③-b, ④-a
C.①-c, ②-b, ③-a, ④-d D. ①-d, ②-c, ③-a, ④-b
4.Why did Paul Lindsay come to Tuvalu?
A. To make a documentary film to record the life of the Tuvalans.
B. To understand the living condition of the Tuvalans.
C. To know how the Tuvalans survive despite all of their problems.
D. To discover the reason for the Tuvalans not to improve their living standards.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
New Zealand is an island country in the southwest of Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main lands—the North Island, or Te Ika-a-Maui, and the South Island, or Te Waipounamu, and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometers east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometers south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. The country’s varied topography(地形)and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to volcanic eruptions. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington, while the city that has the largest population is Auckland.
Polynesians settled in the islands that were to become New Zealand somewhere between 1250 and 1300 AD, and developed a unique Maori culture. In 1642, Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer became the first European to sight New Zealand In 1840. Representatives of the British Crown(王室) and Maori Chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, making New Zealand a British colony. Today, the majority of New Zealand’s population of 4.5 million is of European descent(血统), and the indigenous(土著的) Maori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand’s culture is mainly originated from Maori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language, with English predominant(主要的).
New Zealand is a developed country with a market economy that mainly consists of the exports of dairy products, meat and wine, along with tourism. New Zealand is a high-income economy and ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as health, education, economic freedom and quality of life.
1.What does the underlined word “comprises” in Paragraph 1 mean?
A. Loses B. Conquers.
C. Explores. D. Includes.
2.What can be inferred from the text?
A. New Zealand was the last land to be settled by humans.
B. The indigenous Maori takes up the largest population in New Zealand.
C. The formation of the Southern Alps has something to do with volcanic eruptions.
D. New Zealand’s culture is mainly originated from Maori and early Dutch settlers.
3.Who made great contributions to Maori culture according to the text?
A. Polynesians. B. Dutch.
C. British Crown. D. Tonga.
4.What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?
A. The developing aims of New Zealand.
B. The economic situation of New Zealand.
C. The high ranks that New Zealand government has got.
D. The achievements that New Zealand government has got.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern of Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main lands—the North Island, or Te Ika-a-Maui, and the South Island, or Te Waipounamu, and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometers east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometers south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. The country’s varied topography(地形)and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to volcanic eruptions. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington, while the city that has the largest population is Auckland.
Polynesians settled in the islands that were to become New Zealand somewhere between 1250 and 1300 AD, and developed a unique Maori culture. In 1642, Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer became the first European to sight New Zealand In 1840, representatives of the British Crown(王室) and Maori Chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, making New Zealand a British colony. Today, the majority of New Zealand’s population of 4.5 million is of European descent(血统), and the indigenous(土著的) Maori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand’s culture is mainly originated from Maori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language, with English predominant(主要的).
New Zealand is a developed country with a market economy that mainly consists of the exports of dairy products, meat and wine, along with tourism. New Zealand is a high-income economy and ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as health, education, economic freedom and quality of life.
1.What does the underlined word “comprises” in Paragraph 1 mean?
A. Loses B. Conquers.
C. Explores. D. Includes.
2.What can be inferred from the text?
A. New Zealand was the last land to be settled by humans.
B. The indigenous Maori takes up the largest population in New Zealand.
C. The formation of the Southern Alps has something to do with volcanic eruptions.
D. New Zealand’s culture is mainly originated from Maori and early Dutch settlers.
3.Who made great contributions to Maori culture according to the text?
A. Polynesians. B. Dutch.
C. British Crown. D. Tonga.
4.What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?
A. The developing aims of New Zealand.
B. The economic situation of New Zealand.
C. The high ranks that New Zealand government has got.
D. The achievements that New Zealand government has got.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Japan is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. As the Japanese students already know, four main islands and more than 3,000 small ones stretch from north to south for about 1,300 miles. As for the climate of the country, well, it’s hot and humid(潮湿) in summer, but it is quite cold and wet in Japan during winter. Typhoons, which are violent tropical storms, often threaten Japan during the fall. That’s, of course, during the harvest season.
The population of Japan is about 110,5 million. It may seem hard to believe, but the average population density(密度) of the country is about 678 persons per square mile.
About two thirds of the entire population lives in Japan’s cities. The other one third lives in the suburbs or in the countryside. No other country in southern or eastern Asia has such a large urban, or city population. Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is the most density-populated city in the world. At last count there were more than 11.5 million people living in Tokyo.
1.Why is Japan called an island country? Because ______.
A. Japan is a small country
B. it is on the Pacific Ocean
C. it has thousands of big and small islands
D. Japan has hundreds of small islands
2.Typhoons often attack Japan during______.
A. spring B. summer
C. autumn D. winter
3.Most of the people in Japan live_____.
A. in the rural areas B. in the countryside
C. around the cities D. in the cities
4.The most densely-populated city in the world is_____.
A. New York B. Shanghai
C. London D. the capital of Japan
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
With only fish and birds for company, Eric Erden has been rowing across the Pacific Ocean to Australia in his 23-foot-long boat since he left California on July 10, 2009.
This is the first part of Eric’s trip around the world using only his own energy. He will row, bike, and walk without help from any motors at all. His plan includes climbing the tallest mountain on each of the six continents he visits, to honour the memory of a fellow climber.
He says he is doing this to show kids that they can achieve any goal, but he also hopes to have some great adventures along the way.
Storms and huge waves regularly force him in the wrong direction and even threaten to overturn his boat. “Sometimes I really feel scared,” says a somewhat embarrassed Eric. “But that’s part of the journey. I knew this wouldn’t be easy when I started.”
Protein bars give him energy, and he boils water to heat freeze-dried meals on a one-burner stove. A sun-powered machine removes salt from ocean water so he can drink it, but when that fails he sometimes tries to collect rainwater in a bucket.
He’s not bothered by any of the hardships. Eric sees the world as a laboratory where there is much to learn. And when his trip around the world takes him across land, he enjoys meeting people — especially children. He has already visited several schools and shared his story.
1.Why is Eric making this trip?
A.To encourage children to reach for their goal. |
B.To learn to overcome various hardships. |
C.To do experiments all over the world. |
D.To honour the memory of a fellow climber. |
2.What does Eric plan to do on each of the six continents he will visit?
A.Visit schools to share his story. |
B.Study the culture of the local people. |
C.Climb the tallest mountain. |
D.Cycle from one end to the other. |
3.How does Eric mainly get drinking water?
A.He boils the seawater on a stove. |
B.He has brought fresh water with him. |
C.He collects rain water in a bucket. |
D.He uses a special machine to make seawater fresh. |
4.Which of the following words best describes Eric’s character?
A.Determined. | B.Intelligent. | C.Fearless. | D.Lonely. |
高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
Japanese sailor Kenichi Horie has finished a 110-day solo (单独的) voyage across the Pacific Ocean in a boat pushed by sea waves to win another world first.
Weak waves and ocean water movements made his arrival late, which was going to be in late May.
“When waves were weak, the boat slowed down. That’s a problem that needs to be solved,” the adventure told reporters from his boat in western Japan. His 9.5-meter-long boat can move like a dolphin’s tail, and it rises or falls with the waves.
Horie reached his destination in the channel between the main Japanese islands just before midnight after covering about 7,000 kilometers from Hawaii.
Horie first made world record in 1962 when, at the age of 23, he became the first person to sail alone across the Pacific. He made the three-month voyage from his hometown in spite of breaking Japanese law, which did not allow his citizens to sail on their own out of the country, and without a passport or money.
He was arrested upon arrival in San Francisco but the city mayor freed him, gave him a 30-day visa and made him an honorary citizen. News of his achievement made him a hero back home in Japan and his book of the voyage In the Pacific was made into a film. Since then, he has completed many sailing trips across the Pacific and around the world.
After his latest adventure with an environmentally friendly theme, Horie planned to return to his hometown on Sunday. He said, “Throughout history, mankind has used wind for power, but no one has appeared to be serious about wave power.” Horie told the reporter, “I think I’m a lucky boy as this wave power system has remained untouched in fact.”
1.Horie’s boat was mainly powered by ________.
A.sea waves | B.sea winds | C.his strength | D.petrol |
2.From the passage we learn that ________.
A.Horie undertook the voyage with a partner this time |
B.it took Horie about twenty days more to cross the Pacific this time than in 1962 |
C.Horie made his first voyage across the Pacific alone fifty years ago |
D.Horie’s destination is 7,000 kilometers from San Francisco |
3.Horie was arrested in San Francisco after his voyage in 1962 mainly because ________.
A.he had broken Japanese law |
B.he had kept it a secret from others |
C.his action had put people in danger |
D.he had no passport to America |
4.Which of the following statements best proves that Horie’s latest voyage was meaningful?
A.He was made an honorary citizen of San Francisco. |
B.In Japan he was regarded as a hero. |
C.His voyage had the theme of protecting the environment. |
D.He wrote an exciting book after the voyage. |
5. The author wrote the article mainly to ________.
A.start an ocean crossing movement |
B.tell us a piece of interesting news |
C.make Horie known to the world |
D.encourage people to learn from Horie |
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The Galapagos Islands are in the Pacific Ocean, off the western coast of South America. They are a rocky, lonely spot, but they are also one of the most unusual places in the world. One reason is that they are the home of some of the last giant tortoises left on earth.
Weighing hundreds of pounds, these tortoises go slowly around the rocks and sand of the islands. Strangely, each of these islands has its own particular kinds of tortoises. There are seven different kinds of tortoises on the eight islands, and each kind is slightly different from the other.
Hundreds of years ago, thousands of tortoises were around these islands. However, all that changed when people started landing there. When people first arrived in 1535, crews would seize as many tortoises as they could. They would roll the tortoises onto their backs when they were brought onto the ships. The tortoises were completely helpless once on their backs, so they could only lie there until used for soups and stews. Almost 100,000 tortoises were carried off in this way.
The tortoises faced other problems, too. Soon after the first ships, settlers arrived, bringing pigs, goats, donkeys, dogs and cats. All of these animals ruined life for the tortoises. Donkeys and goats ate all the plants that the tortoises usually fed on, while the pigs, dogs and cats ate thousands of baby tortoises each year. Within a few years, it was hard to find any tortoise eggs or even any baby tortoises.
Finally, in the 1950s, scientists decided that something must be done. The first part of their plan was to remove as many cats, dogs and other animals as they could from the islands. Next, they tried to make sure that more baby tortoises would be born; This slow, hard work continues today, and, thanks to it, the number of tortoises is now increasing every year. Perhaps these wonderful animals will not disappear after all.
1.What makes the Galapagos Islands unusual?
A.The biggest islands in the Pacific Ocean.
B.Rocky, lonely spot.
C.The giant tortoises.
D.Many homes for tourists.
2.What can be learned from Paragraph 2?
A.Tortoises weigh a hundred pounds.
B.Tortoises move around very fast.
C.There are different kinds of tortoises.
D.Tortoises are larger than the ones in other places.
3.What did first comers to the island do with tortoises hundreds of years ago?
A.People cooked them as food.
B.Scientists took measures to protect them.
C.Pigs, dogs and cats ate many baby tortoises.
D.Settlers brought other tortoises to the islands.
4.What happened soon after people brought animals to the islands?
A.Tortoise eggs were kept in safe containers.
B.The animals ate the tortoises’ food and eggs.
C.The tortoises continued to wander freely.
D.The tortoises fought against the other animals.
5.What happened to the tortoises because of the scientists’ effort?
A.The tortoises began to disappear gradually.
B.The number of tortoises began to decrease.
C.Scientists took away other animals off the islands.
D.There are more and more giant tortoises on the islands.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It was one of the poorest nations in the region. Within the last five years, however, it has become a hot spot for adventure travelers. In 2006 it was voted the happiest place on Earth. The reason is not that Vanuatu are the richest but that Vanuatu has white-sand islands, clear waters, the world’s most accessible live volcano, great diving and food that grows faster than it can be picked.
With a population of about 221,000, Vanuatu has 113 languages, which is a result of 3,000 years of immigration from many Pacific countries. There are three official languages: English, French, and Bislama. Bislama developed from South Pacific English, a simplified language that traders and other foreigners used it to communicate with speakers of the many local languages.
Most of the islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin. There are several active volcanoes in Vanuatu, including Yasur on the island of Tanna, one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes. If you’ve ever fancied getting close to a volcano, here’s your chance.
Vanuatu Post’s Underwater Post Office has quickly become one of the busiest post offices for postcards in the world! Visitors from around the world want to experience the world’s first under- water post office. The Post Office is only 50 meters offshore and at just three meters below the surface, very appealing to the young and young at heart. Since opening in 2003, the underwater post office has received about 100,000 visitors. They have posted one of the waterproof(防水的)postcards available in Vanuatu; these cards are collected regularly by one of Vanuatu Post’s four trained divers. The underwater branch is manned daily for usually about an hour, longer with demand.
1.Vanuatu was voted the happiest place on Earth because _________.
A. it’s the poorest nation in the region
B. it’s Vanuatu that is the richest
C. it’s a favorite place for adventurers
D. it’s blessed with abundant nature
2.Which of the following is true about Vanuatu?
A. Bislama developed from local Pacific French.
B. Yasur is one of the live volcanoes in Vanuatu.
C. Vanuatu has more than 113 official languages.
D. Underwater Post Office has opened for 5 years.
3.Which of the following would be the most proper title for the text?
A. Working at the underwater branch B. Great diving in amazing Vanuatu
C. A hot spot for adventure travelers D. The busiest post office on Earth
4.What is most likely to be discussed in the paragraph that follows?
A. Various languages. B. Underwater diving.
C. Food in Vanuatu. D. History of Vanuatu.
高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
Engineers have put a huge garbage collector to gather plastic material in the Pacific Ocean between California and Hawaii, the world's largest spread of garbage, twice the size of the state of Texas.
The Ocean Cleanup organization created the collector. The group's founder, Boyan Slat, an inventor born in 1994, was just 16 when he was moved to clean up the oceans when he was on a dive and saw more plastic bags than fish
Last Saturday, a ship pulling the pipe-shaped floating barrier left San Francisco. Attached to it is a screening skirt that hangs three meters down in the water. The screen is designed to collect the plastic as it moves through the water. Sea animals can safely swim under the barrier
The cleanup system also comes with lights powered by the sun, cameras, and other special devices, so the system can communicate its position at all times. That way a support ship can find it every few months to remove the plastic that has been collected.
Shipping containers will hold all the plastic gathered , including bottles and fishing equipment and are expected to be back on land within a year. Then the plastic will be recycled. The free-floating barriers are made to survive extreme weather conditions and damage from continual use. They will stay in the water for twenty years , thus collecting 90% ofthe garbage in the area.
The Ocean Cleanup has received $ 35 million in donations to pay for the project, hoping to put 60 free-floating barriers in the Pacific Ocean by 2020. "It's important to turn off the taps on plastic entering the ocean, but I also think people can do more than one thing at a time to deal with this problem," Slat said.
1.What drove Slat to invent the collector?
A. The interest in invention
B. His failure to dive due to rubbish.
C. The sight oftoo many plastic bags
D. His knowledge ofgarbage in the Pacific Ocean
2.How does the floating barrier work?
A. It reaches into the water to collect the plastic
B. It has large containers to produce power
C. 'It forms barriers to protect sea animals
D. A ship drags it along in the ocean.
3.Which does the underlined word "it" in paragraph 4 refer to?
A. The support ship.
B. The floating barrier
C. The plastic to be recycled.
D. The position of special devices.
4.What is important for protecting the ocean according to Slat?
A. Sending more collectors into the ocean
B. Inventing more ocean cleanup devices
C. Stopping plastic from entering the ocean
D. Banning the use ofplastic bags in boats
高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析