Record fires sweeping across the Amazon this ...

Record fires sweeping across the Amazon this month have been grabbing global headlines as scientists and environmental groups are worried that they will worsen climate change crisis and threaten biodiversity.

As the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon is often called “the lungs of the world”. It is also home to about 3 million species of plants and animals, and 1 million native people. The vast areas of rainforest play an important role in the world’s ecosystem because they absorb heat instead of it being reflected back into the atmosphere. They also store carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, ensuring that less carbon is released, mitigating the effects of climate change.

“Any forest destroyed is a threat to biodiversity and the people who use that biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy, an ecologist at George Mason University told National Geographic. “The overwhelming threat is that a lot of carbon goes into the atmosphere,” he stressed. “In the midst of the global climate crisis, we cannot afford more damage to a major source of oxygen and biodiversity. The Amazon must be protected,” U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said.

Data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) show that the number of forest fires in Brazil quickly increased by 82 percent from January to August this year from a year ago. A total of 71,497 forest fires were registered in the country in the first eight months of 2019, up from 39,194 in the same period in 2018, INPE said. “We estimate that the forest areas in the Brazilian Amazon have decreased something between 20 and 30 percent compared to the last 12 months,” Carlos Nobre, a researcher at the University of Sao Paulo, told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Brazil owns about 60 percent of the Amazon rainforest, whose degradation could have severe consequences for global climate and rainfall. The extent of the area ruined by fires has yet to be determined, but the emergency has transcended (超出) Brazil’s borders, reaching Peruvian, Paraguayan and Bolivian regions.

1.What is the second paragraph mainly talking about?

A.The effects of climate change. B.The role of the Amazon rainforest.

C.The results of the Amazon rainforest fires. D.The causes of the decreasing biodiversity.

2.What can we learn from Thomas’s and Antonio’s words?

A.The biodiversity makes the rainforests unique.

B.The rainforest fires result in serious consequences.

C.The global climate crisis brings more rainforest fires.

D.The dry weather leads to the rainforest fires.

3.Why does the author list the numbers in Paragraph 4?

A.To prove the importance of rainforest. B.To show the influence of forest fires.

C.To explain the process of the research. D.To present the reduction of rainforest areas.

4.What is the best title of this passage?

A.The climate change crisis is worsening. B.The forest areas are on the decline.

C.“The lungs of the earth” is burning. D.The world’s ecosystem is under attack.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Major causes of record fires sweeping across the Amazon rainforest this month include the dry season and human activities, according to research institutions and media reports.

The rainforest is typically wet and humid, and the frequency of fire activity usually rise each year since July — the onset of the dry season, and peaks in September and decreases in October as the rainy season approaches.

However, data from the Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) showed that the number of forest fires in Brazil soared by 82 percent from January to August this year from a year ago, and over half of those fires occurred in the Amazon rainforest. A total of 71,497 forest fires were registered in the country in the first eight months of 2019 , up from 39,194 in the same period in 2018, the Inpe said.

Human activities have led to the recent increase of fires, some experts have noted. The view was echoed by many, though they were divided over who actually conducted the activities. On Friday evening, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro pledged “zero tolerance” of environmental crimes, adding that the Armed Forces troops and resources will be mobilized from Saturday to help put out the fires.

Earlier this week, Bolsonaro blamed non-governmental organizations for increasing wildfires in the Amazon rainforest in the country’s north. His claim was refuted (反驳) by environmentalists, who argued that the surge of fires was a result of increasing deforestation and burning fueled by the governments anti-environmental policy. Alberto Setzer, an Inpe researcher, told local news site G1 that all the fires are results of human activities some accidental while others intentional.

Scientists and environmental groups are worried that the fires will aggravate climate change crisis and threaten biodiversity. The emergency has now transcended (越过) Brazil’s borders , reaching Peruvian, Paraguayan and Bolivian regions.

1.What is the main idea of the text?

A.The text explains the major causes of the Amazon fires.

B.The text aims to arouse human’s awareness of protecting the Amazon.

C.The text is intended to call on people to help the Amazon.

D.The text is expected to warn other countries of the Amazon fires.

2.Which of the followings is not the main causes of the Amazon’s fires?

A.The dry weather. B.The intentional deforestation.

C.The natural disasters. D.Some accidental human activities.

3.What can we infer from Paragraph Three?

A.Similar to that in 2018, the frequency of fire activity will peak in September in 2019.

B.Compared with those in 2018, fires have happened more frequently in the first eight months in 2019.

C.There are more fires in 2019 than in 2018.

D.All of the big fires have happened in the Amazon rainforest.

4.What may Alberto Setzer agree with?

A.Non-governmental organizations are responsible for wild fires in the Amazon rainforest.

B.The Amazon rainforest fires may be attributed to human activities.

C.We should pledge “zero tolerance” of environmental crimes.

D.The fires will influence Brazil’s bordering countries.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Trip 1  Black Bear Count

There have been fires in this area in the last few years and the Office of the National Park is not sure how many black bears are still living.  Some bears have been seen since the fires, and the Office has asked for young people to help count them. The entire trip will last three hours. Bookings necessary.

Cost: Free              When: May 8

Trip 2  Garland Valley

Bring your drink and lunch for this walk in a beautiful  area of the  Blue  Mountains. Garland Valley is close to the town of Garland but is part of the National Park. Many wild animals live in this area, including many rare birds. This is a great walk for bird-lovers. The trip lasts four hours. Bookings necessary.

Cost: 15                     When: May 8, May 15

Trip 3  Flashlight Adventure

Put on your warm clothes, bring a flashlight and a pair of glasses, and come for a night walk along the Dungog Valley. A guide will lead the tour. Many of the animals you will see on this trip can only be seen at night. The guide will tell you about the lives of the animals you see. Numbers are strictly limited on night trips, so be sure to book early. This walk lasts two and a half hours.

Cost: 12                                When: May 8, May 15, May 22

Equipment to be needed:

     Please bring enough water and food for all walks.

     Wear good walking shoes--no high heels.

     Wear a hat for day walks.

     Dress warmly for night walks.

     Children must be with an adult.

     Make sure your flashlight works well and bring extra batteries for night walks.

     Follow all instructions from guides during the walks. The mountains are a dangerous place.

Bookings:

     Bookings for the above trips can be made by telephone (893-4847) or on the Internet at www. blue-mountaintour.com.

1.Where are these trips?

A. In a large valley.                                    B. In a park in the mountains.

C. In a special kind of zoo.                   D. In three different countries.

2.On which trip might you see animals that sleep during the day?

A. Black Bear Count.                           B. Garland Valley.

C. Flashlight Adventure.                          D. None of the trips.

3.Which of the following is NOT necessary for the three trips?

A. Good walking shoes.                       B. Plenty of batteries.

C. Food and water.                           D. A sleeping bag.

4.What is the best title for the passage?

A. Adventure travel in America.

B. Hunting around the Great Mountains.

C. Interesting trips in the East of the USA.

D. Discovery trips in the Blue Mountains.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Trip 1  Black Bear Count

There have been fires in this area in the last few years and the Office of the National Park is not sure how many black bears are still living. Some bears have been seen since the fires, and the Office has asked for young people to help count them. The entire trip will last three hours. Bookings necessary.

Cost: Free                          When: May 8

Trip 2  Garland Valley

Bring your drink and lunch for this walk in a beautiful area of the Blue Mountains. Garland Valley is close to the town of Garland but is part of the National Park. Many wild animals live in this area, including many rare birds. This is a great walk for bird-lovers. The trip lasts four hours. Bookings necessary.

Cost: $ 15                          When: May 8, May 15

Trip 3   Flashlight Adventure

Put on your warm clothes, bring a flashlight and a pair of glasses, and come for a night walk along the Dungog Valley. A guide will lead the tour. Many of the animals you will see on this trip can only be seen at night. The guide will tell you about the lives of the animals you see. Numbers are strictly limited on night trips, so be sure to book early. This walk lasts two and a half hours.

Cost: $ 12                          When: May 8, May 15, May22

Equipment to be needed:

•Please bring enough water and food for all walks.

•Wear good walking shoes—no high heels.

•Wear a hat for day walks.

•Dress warmly for night walks.

•Children must be with an adult.

•Make sure your flashlight works well and bring extra batteries for night walks.

•Follow all instructions from guides during the walks. The mountains are a dangerous place.

Bookings:

Bookings for the above trips can be traded by telephone (893 — 4847) or on the Internet at www. Bluemountaintour. com

1.Where are these trips?

A. In a large city.              B. In a park in the mountains.

C. In a special kind of zoo.      D. In three different countries.

2.On which trip might you see animals that sleep during the day?

A. Black Bear Count  B. Garland Valley

C. Flashlight Adventure  D. None of the trips.

3.Which of the following is NOT necessary for the three trips?

A. Good walking shoes    B. A pair of glasses

C. Food and water   D. A sleeping-bag

4.What is the best title for the passage?

A. Adventure Travel in America

B. Hunting around the Great Mountains

C. Interesting Trips in the East of the USA

D. Discovery Trips in the Blue Mountains

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Trip 1  Black Bear Count

There have been fires in this area in the last few years and the Office of the National Park is not sure how many black bears are still living. Some bears have been seen since the fires, and the Office has asked for young people to help count them. The entire trip will last three hours. Bookings necessary.

Cost: Free         When: May 8

Trip 2  Garland Valley

Bring your drink and lunch for this walk in a beautiful area of the Blue Mountains. Garland Valley is close to the town of Garland but is part of the National Park. Many wild animals live in this area, including many rare birds. This is a great walk for bird-lovers. The trip lasts four hours. Bookings necessary.

Cost: $ 15         When: May 8, May 15

Trip 3   Flashlight Adventure

Put on your warm clothes, bring a flashlight and a pair of glasses, and come for a night walk along the Dungog Valley. A guide will lead the tour. Many of the animals you will see on this trip can only be seen at night. The guide will tell you about the lives of the animals you see. Numbers are strictly limited on night trips, so be sure to book early. This walk lasts two and a half hours.

Cost: $ 12         When: May 8, May 15, May22

Equipment to be needed:

?Please bring enough water and food for all walks.

?Wear good walking shoes—no high heels.

?Wear a hat for day walks.

?Dress warmly for night walks.

?Children must be with an adult.

?Make sure your flashlight works well and bring extra batteries for night walks.

?Follow all instructions from guides during the walks. The mountains are a dangerous place.

Bookings:

Bookings for the above trips can be traded by telephone (893 — 4847) or on the Internet at www. Bluemountaintour. com

72. Where are these trips?

A. In a large city.                  B. In a park in the mountains.

C. In a special kind of zoo.            D. In three different countries.

73.   On which trip might you see animals that sleep during the day?

A. Black Bear Count  B. Garland Valley

C. Flashlight Adventure  D. None of the trips.

74.   Which of the following is NOT necessary for the three trips?

A. Good walking shoes    B. A pair of glasses

C. Food and water   D. A sleeping-bag

75.   What is the best title for the passage?

A. Adventure Travel in America

B. Hunting around the Great          Mountains

C. Interesting Trips in the East of the USA

D. Discovery Trips in the Blue Mountains

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

No one knows yet the accurate number of lives which have been lost in this terrible fire .But reports suggest that it is more than one hundred .

A wall of flames fifty feet high and at least one hundred and fifty miles wide is now racing towards the forests and rich farmlands of southern Victoria . Towns less than one hundred miles from Melbourne will be in danger unless the wind changes . People are rushing excitedly into the streets . The police have warned them not to see the fire but many people are doing so .

The cause of the fire is unknown . No rain has fallen in this part of Australia for three months , and the hot , north-west wind from the great central desert is blowing at more than thirty miles an hour .

The firefighters are travelling to the fire by road , rail and air . But it is not easy to get there . Flames and fallen trees have cut off or blocked roads and railway lines . The thick smoke often prevents them from finding the air strips (飞机跑道).

It is said that the fire has brought the greater danger to the country since the Second World War .

1.By the time the article was written , the fire ________ .

2.The writer wrote this article mainly to tell people ________ .

3.In the 4th paragraph , the writer suggested that ________ .

4.The underlined word “ accurate” in the first sentence has the same meaning as ________ .

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Across Europe, where visitors can outnumber residents in the summer months, the complaints have started. Last week, in Barcelona, an open-top bus was spray-painted across its windscreen with the words “Tourism Kills Neighbourhoods”. The message is clear: such cities are under pressure. In tourists and residents’ battle for shared spaces, local authorities are uncomfortably in the middle. The tourism is one of the largest employers in the world, with one new job created for every 30 new visitors to a destination—but at what cost to locals’ quality of life?

More people are travelling than ever before, and lower barriers to entry and falling costs mean they are doing so for shorter periods. The rise of “city breaks”—48-hour bursts of foreign cultures—has increased tourist numbers. “Too many people do the same thing at the exact same time,” says Xavier Font, a professor at the University of Surrey, “For locals, the city no longer belongs to them.”

Compounding the problem is Airbnb, which has made tourists more casual in their approach to international travel, but added to residents’ headaches. Those permanent citizens who share their apartment blocks with Airbnb hosts have lost their patience, “No longer do we have to share the streets with tourists, we have to share our own buildings!” To ease the congestion around the main attractions, many cities are taking immediate action. Venice is proposing a new concept of “ detourism”: sustainable travel tips and alternative routes for exploring a different Venice. A greater variety of guidance for future visitors—ideas for what to do in off-peak seasons, for example, —can guide them from overcrowded landmarks. Repeat visitors have a better sense of the culture and it is much easier to integrate their behaviour with residents of the cities.

“But the locals should learn to take tourists as a part of urban life. Tourists do not have to be considered passive players, but rather as visitors with rights and duties,” says Font, “Everyone has a part to play in promoting that change.”

1.What problem do the local authorities often have in a tourist city?

A. The challenge creating more business for local people.

B. The conflict taking place among tourists from different countries.

C. The dilemma between tourism and living quality of the locals.

D. The competitions among the most popular attractions.

2.Why do the local residents reject “city break” according to Paragraph Two?

A. Too many visitors have damaged the quality of life.

B. The locals fail to benefit from the city break economically.

C. The local authorities lack adequate operation guidance.

D. They are reluctant to share anything with coming tourists.

3.What is Airbnb most probably?

A. A new travelling map with more street information.

B. A solution by Font to improve the local living quality.

C. A small town having the same complaints about tourism.

D. A website to help travellers find a homestay.

4.Under the concept of Detourism, which of the following should be encouraged?

A. Developing a city break during on-seasons.

B. Shifting visitors from busy attractions.

C. Attracting more first-time visitors.

D. Taking tourism as a passive part of urban life.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Months ago we sailed ten thousand miles across this open sea, which _______ the Pacific, and we met no storms.

A. was called        B. is called   C. had been called    D. has been called

高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

Months ago we sailed ten thousand miles across this open sea, which _______ the Pacific, and we met no storms.

A. was called      B. is called      C. had been called D. has been called

高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

The Notre Dame fire has been put out, but its spire and a large portion of its wooden roof have been damaged. The terrible destruction causes a sudden sharp pain to people around the world. On Chinese social media network Wechat a common comment on the disaster is: “What a pity that we cannot see the damaged parts of the wonder anymore.”

But the good news is that there is at least one way of seeing them, namely via a video game called Assassin’s Creed: Unity. In this game, the player can travel to one city after another and enter the buildings exactly like what they are in reality, and see Notre Dame as it was before the fire. Further, with virtual reality technology, which is already quite mature, one can even look around the undamaged Notre Dame as if it is still there. Maybe digital technology could help to better protect architectural cultural heritage.

The idea of digitizing ancient buildings, making digital models of them so their data can be saved, dates back to the 1990s and the necessary technology has continued to advance since then. By scanning the ancient buildings with lasers, building 3D models with multiple images, as well as measuring everything precisely, engineers can make a copy as accurate as the real one.

As computers and smartphones are hugely popular, the digital replica has great use value. First, it allows tourists to feel the cultural relics without touching them, which helps protect them. The virtual tour of Dunhuang Grottoes in Gansu Province is a good example of this as tourists can view the paintings without standing near them. Furthermore, it can make the digitized cultural relics more famous by spreading awareness about them via the Internet. In 2000, a virtual tour of the Great Wall became very popular at the Hannover World Expo, which increased the number of foreign tourists visiting the site in the following years. Above all, it preserves all the information of the cultural relics. Even if the original ones are damaged one day, people can still know what they were like and can build a replica if desired.

Of course, however precise a model is, it is not the original. Time is the biggest threat to a country’s architectural heritage, which will always become ruins with the passing of time. Maybe we will have better technologies in the future, but the digital technology offers a practical way to preserve architectural cultural heritage at the moment.

1.What will engineers do to create a digital replica of the ancient buildings?

A.Improve the technology needed. B.Scan the photos of the buildings.

C.Build 3D models of full size. D.Measure all the parts exactly.

2.What value does a digital replica have?

A.It keeps the relics safe. B.It helps to guard the relics.

C.It gathers data of the relics. D.It advertises the history of the relics.

3.How does the author prove the digital copy has vital practical importance?

A.By comparison. B.By giving examples.

C.By classification. D.By listing data.

4.What is the author’s attitude towards the application of digital technology?

A.Doubtful. B.Ambiguous.

C.Supportive. D.Conservative.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析