Land of fire and ice: IcelandJoin an unforget...

Land of fire and ice: Iceland

Join an unforgettable tour of Iceland’s splendid landscapes, timed to arrange four days filled with volcanic and geological adventure, and evening opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis.

Day 1: Vatnajokull Glacier (冰川)

Today you’ll take a walk on Europe’s biggest ice cap-Vatnajokull-which has around 30 glaciers flowing out from it. No experience is necessary to take part in the hike. It’s discouraging to think that the glacier is retreating due to rising world temperatures, and in future years the glacier may be gone. If you prefer a relaxing morning you can explore the surroundings of the farm stay and head to the Thorbergur Centre.

Day 2: Secret lagoon (泻湖) and Reykjavik

This morning we make our way to the Lava Centre which is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition describing volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. After our visit, we will continue to the Secret Lagoon natural hot springs, located in the small village called Fludir, giving you the opportunity to relax in the warm waters before travelling to Reykjavik.

Day 3: Reykjanes peninsula (半岛)

Head out to the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is a land-born, highly volcanic counterpart of the Mid-Atlantic Spreading Ridge where two tectonic plates part at an average rate of 2.0-2.5 cm/yr. Four volcanic systems and fissure (裂缝) groups line the peninsula from SW to NE. They contain open fissures, normal faults, high-temperature fields and volcanic fissures.

Day 4: Depart Reykjavik

Today is departure day and time to say “sjaumst”. Your group departure transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.

1.Which of the following may make you feel worried?

A.Taking part in the hike.

B.The future of the glacier.

C.Walking on Europe’s biggest ice cap.

D.Exploring the surroundings of the farm stay.

2.What may visitors do at the end of the second day?

A.Go to the Lava Centre. B.Visit natural hot springs.

C.Take a bath in hot springs. D.Stay the night in the small village.

3.On which day can you see two moving plates?

A.Day 1. B.Day 2.

C.Day 3. D.Day 4.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Wind , water, fire and ice-these powerful natural forces have shaped the land of America in the past. They are still changing it today.

The Colorado River slowly cut down through stone to make the Grand Canyon(大峡谷).

Long ago, ice sheets cut Yosemite Valley and the Great Lakes, and glaciers(冰川) are still on the move in Alaska.

Wind and rain storm hit the land from time to time. Fires sometimes burn down forests and destroy the homes of wild animals. This happened in Yellowstone Park in 1988.

Dead volcanic mountains such as Haleakala on Maui and Carter Lakein Oregon are beautiful to look at. But there are several active volcanoes in the US, especially along the Pacific Coast. There are also many earthquakes in this area. Scientists can do nothing to control earthquakes or volcanoes. This was shown clearly on May 18, 1980. At 8:32 that morning, Mount St Helens in Washington state broke out. The top of the mountain was blown off.

Over 60 people –campers, scientists, journalists, forest workers—were killed. Hundreds of square miles of forests were knocked down. In towns over 100 miles away, day suddenly became night. An ash cloud hid the sun for many hours. Towns and fields in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho were covered with dirty gray ash.

Scientists knew that Mt St Helens might erupt(爆发) soon. But no one could say when. And no one expected the terrible strength of the eruption. Many people were surprised and unready. Harry R. Truman, 84, owned a small hotel in Mt St Helens. Scientists had asked people to move away because the volcano was becoming dangerous.

But Harry Truman would not leave his home. Now it is covered with many feet of dirty ash. A small cross stands above the place where Harry probably died. Perhaps it is better that he did not see the destruction of Mt St Helens, the once beautiful lake, and the forests.

But slowly, life is returning to the dead area around the mountain. Grass and small plants are beginning to grow again. Deer and birds have been seen. The land will never be the same as it once was. Perhaps Mt St Helens will erupt again. But this is all part of nature’s pattern of change, and man has little power to control it.

1.Choose the best title for this passage.

2.After the eruption of volcano, what makes the sky turn dark?

3.The underlined word “it” means______.

4.We can infer from this article that ______.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Antarctica is known for being a vast land of ice and snow, a place too cold for most life. Despite this, the continent is slowly starting to turn warm. According to the Guardian, the Antarctic has registered a new high temperature for the first time on record, prompting fears of climate instability in the world's iciest place.

On Feb 9, Brazilian researchers at Seymour Island reported a temperature of 20.75℃ on the icy continent of Antarctica. It was almost a full degree higher than the previous re- cord of 19. 8℃ , taken on Signy Island in January 1982.

This record — breaking reading was taken at a monitoring station in the northern part of Antarctica. According to Brazilian soil scientist Carlos Schaefer, the temperature was documented during a 20-year-long research project. The focus of this project is to study the effect that climate change has on the permafrost(永久冻土) within the region. Permafrost is soil that stays frozen for at least two years. Although this is a first record high for Antarctica, Schaefer stressed that “We can't use this to anticipate climatic changes in the future. It's simply a signal that something different is happening in that area.”

But in fact, the last high temperature reading was in the 19℃range. These higher temperatures can cause ice and glaciers in Antarctic regions to melt. The Antarctic peninsula—the long finger of land that stretches towards Argentina—is most dramatically affected. Scientists saw glaciers that have retreated by more than 100 meters in Discovery Bay where the snow melted in little more than a week, leaving dark exposed rock. This melted ice leads to a rise in sea levels that can threaten the safety of coastal areas. It's believed to be behind an alarming decline of more than 50 percent in chinstrap penguin(帽带企鹅) colonies, which are dependent on sea ice.

Like American writer Ernest Hemingway once said, “The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.” We should do everything we can to help save our planet. Otherwise, it may become too hot for us to fix.

1.What did Brazilian researchers report on Feb 9?

A.Seymour Island is the warmest region in the Antarctic.

B.Antarctica hit a record high temperature of 20. 75℃.

C.The average temperature of Antarctica ranges from 19. 8°C to 20. 75℃.

D.Antarctica's new record temperature is a full degree higher than the previous decade.

2.What's the main purpose of the 20-year-long research project?

A.To predict possible climatic change in the future.

B.To monitor Antarctica's contributions to world climate change.

C.To explain why the permafrost may cause glaciers to melt.

D.To examine how the permafrost is influenced by climate change.

3.What does the underlined word “retreated” probably mean?

A.moved backward. B.increased in size.

C.covered a certain area. D.stretched in an opposite direction.

4.According to the text, the melted glacier may lead to　　　　　 .

A.the pollution of ocean water B.the release of various viruses

C.threats to penguin habitats D.disappearances of coastal cities

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

A Song of Ice and Fire is a seven﹣part series of fantasy written for adults． George R． R． Martin writes each chapter from the perspective of a specific character， providing a limited point of view for each section． The reader is able to understand the inner workings of the individual， but the reader is barred from a whole understanding of the text． The world he has created has magic， but there is much more than that． While magic exists， it exists on the edge， and the inner unrest of the characters is much more important．

His work also has a level of realness that is astonishing in a work of fantasy． Characters are imperfect， and many make questionable moral choices． In the end， however， Martin shows that both good and bad happen to both the people of high moral standard and the corrupt． He has made it clear that any character can die at any point， which has led to a lot of heartbreak from readers．

In 2011， A Song of Ice and Fire became a television series titled Game of Thrones． Martin has been closely involved with the production． It has currently run for seven seasons， and viewers anxiously await the eighth season to answer their questions from the season seven finale．

His fans are also waiting for The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring， the next books in the series， to answer the questions Martin and the television show have not yet addressed． Martin， however， has no plans to rush． He has made it clear that he will continue to write the books while working on the television show and writing other novels．

But how will the story continue？ What is going to happen in Westeros， and more importantly： when are we going to find out？ Martinis skill as a writer has kept readers and viewers spellbound． Many hope he will finish the next book before the next season of the show begins， but no one knows with Martin． He always keeps his readers guessing．

1.One of the characteristics of A Song of Ice and Fire is　　 　．

A. each chapter is written from a limited point of view

B. magic is the center of the story

C. Martin has made imperfect characters die at any point

D. many characters make astonishing choices

2.What is George R． R． Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire considered to be？

A. One of his masterworks of fantasy．

B. An unsuccessful screen adaptation．

C. An artistic creation for the TV．

D. One of the best TV programmes．

3.What does the word "address" in the fourth paragraph mean？

A. written　　 B. spoken

C. solved　　 D. directed

4.How will the ending of the story be？

A. Interesting．　　 B. Confusing．

C. Novel．　　 D. Unknown．

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

A Song of Ice and Fire is a seven-part series of fantasy written for adults. George R. R. Martin writes each chapter from the perspective of a specific character, providing a limited point of view for each section. The reader is able to understand the inner workings of the individual, but the reader is barred from a whole understanding of the text. The world he has created has magic, but there is much more than that. While magic exists, it exists on the edge, and the inner unrest of the characters is much more important.

His work also has a level of realness that is astonishing in a work of fantasy. Characters are imperfect, and many make questionable moral choices. In the end, however, Martin shows that both good and bad happen to both the people of high moral standard and the corrupt. He has made it clear that any character can die at any point, which has led to a lot of heartbreak from readers.

In 2011, A Song of Ice and Fire became a television series titled Game of Thrones. Martin has been closely involved with the production. It has currently run for seven seasons, and viewers anxiously await the eighth season to answer their questions from the season seven finale.

His fans are also waiting for The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, the next books in the series, to answer the questions Martin and the television show have not yet addressed. Martin, however, has no plans to rush. He has made it clear that he will continue to write the books while working on the television show and writing other novels.

But how will the story continue? What is going to happen in Westeros, and more importantly: when are we going to find out? Martinis skill as a writer has kept readers and viewers spellbound. Many hope he will finish the next book before the next season of the show begins, but no one knows with Martin. He always keeps his readers guessing.

1.One of the characteristics of A Song of Ice and Fire is ________.

A. each chapter is written from a limited point of view

B. magic is the center of the story

C. Martin has made imperfect characters die at any point

D. many characters make astonishing choices

2.What is George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire considered to be?

A. One of his masterworks of fantasy.

B. An unsuccessful screen adaptation.

C. An artistic creation for the TV.

D. One of the best TV programmes.

3.What does the word “address” in the fourth paragraph mean?

A. written　　 B. spoken

C. solved　　 D. directed

4.How will the ending of the story be?

A. Interesting.　　 B. Confusing.

C. Novel.　　 D. Unknown.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Far from the land of Antarctica, a huge shelf of ice meets the ocean. At the underside of the shelf there lives a small fish, the Antarctic cod.

For forty years scientists have been curious about that fish. How does it live where most fish would freeze to death? It must have some secret. The Antarctic is not a comfortable place to work and research has been slow. Now it seems we have an answer.

Research was begun by cutting holes in the ice and catching the fish. Scientists studied the fish’s blood and measured its freezing point.

The fish were taken from seawater that had a temperature of -1.88℃ and many tiny pieces of ice floating in it. The blood of the fish did not begin to freeze until its temperature was lowered to -2.05℃. That small difference is enough for the fish to live at the freezing temperature of the ice-salt mixture.

The scientists’ next research job was clear: Find out what in the fish’s blood kept it from freezing. Their search led to some really strange thing made up of a protein(蛋白质) never before seen in the blood of a fish. When it was removed, the blood froze at seawater temperature. When it was put back, the blood again had its antifreeze quality and a lowered freezing point.

Study showed that it is an unusual kind of protein. It has many small sugar molecules(分子) held in special positions within each big protein molecules. Because of its sugar content, it is called a glycoprotein. So it has come to be called the antifreeze fish glycoprotein, or AFGP.

49. What is the text mainly about?

A. The terrible conditions in the Antarctic.          B. A special fish living in freezing waters.

C. The ice shelf around Antarctic.                  D. Protection of the Antarctic cod.

50. Why can the Antarctic cod live at the freezing temperature?

A. The seawater has a temperature of -1.88℃.

B. It loves to live in the ice-salt mixture.

C. A special protein keeps it from freezing.

D. Its blood has a temperature lower than -2.05℃.

51. What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 5 refer to?

A. A type of ice-salt mixture.                      B. A newly found protein.

C. Fish blood.                                           D. Sugar molecule.

52. What does “glycol” in the underlined word “glycoprotein” in the last paragraph mean?

A. sugar                      B. ice                   C. blood                      D. molecule

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Far from the land of Antarctica (南极洲), a huge shelf of ice meets the ocean. At the underside of the shelf there lives a small fish, the Antarctic cod.

For forty years scientists have been curious about that fish. How does it live where most fish would freeze to death? It must have some secret. The Antarctic is not a comfortable place to work and research has been slow. Now it seems we have an answer.

Research was begun by cutting holes in the ice and catching the fish. Scientists studied the fish’s blood and measured its freezing point.

The fish were taken from seawater that had a temperature of -1.88℃ and many tiny pieces of ice floating in it. The blood of the fish did not begin to freeze until its temperature was lowered to -2.05℃. That small difference is enough for the fish to live at the freezing temperature of the ice-salt mixture.

The scientists’ next research job was clear: Find out what in the fish’s blood kept it from freezing. Their search led to some really strange thing made up of a protein (蛋白质) never before seen in the blood of a fish. When it was removed, the blood froze at seawater temperature. When it was put back, the blood again had its antifreeze quality and a lowered freezing point.

Study showed that it is an unusual kind of protein. It has many small sugar molecules (分子) held in special positions within each big protein molecule. Because of its sugar content, it is called a glycoprotein. So it has come to be called the antifreeze fish glycoprotein, or AFGP.

1.What is the text mainly about?

A．The terrible conditions in the Antarctic.

B．A special fish living in freezing waters.

C．The ice shelf around Antarctica.

D．Protection of the Antarctic cod.

2.Why can the Antarctic cod live at the freezing temperature?

A．The seawater has a temperature of - l.88℃

B．It loves to live in the ice-salt mixture.

C．A special protein keeps it from freezing.

D．Its blood has a temperature lower than -2.05℃

3.What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 5 refer to?

A．A type of ice-salt mixture.                 B．A newly found protein

C．Fish blood.                             D．Sugar molecule.

4.What does “glyco-” in the underlined word “glycoprotein” in the last paragraph mean?

A．sugar             B．ice               C．blood             D．molecule

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Far from the land of Antarctica (南极洲), a huge shelf of ice meets the ocean. At the underside of the shelf there lives a small fish, the Antarctic cod.

For forty years scientists have been curious about that fish. How does it live where most fish would freeze to death? It must have some secret. The Antarctic is not a comfortable place to work and research has been slow. Now it seems we have an answer. Research was begun by cutting holes in the ice and catching the fish. Scientists studied the fish’s blood and measured its freezing point. The fish were taken from seawater that had a temperature of -1.88°C and many tiny pieces of ice floating in it. The blood of the fish did not begin to freeze until its temperature was lowered to -2.05°C. That small difference is enough for the fish to live at the freezing temperature of the ice-salt mixture.

The scientists’ next research job was clear: Find out what in the fish’s blood kept it from freezing. Their search led to some really strange thing made up of a protein (蛋白质) never before seen in the blood of a fish. When it was removed, the blood froze at seawater temperature. When it was put back, the blood again had its antifreeze quality and a lowered freezing point.

Study showed that it is an unusual kind of protein. It has many small sugar molecules held in special positions within each big protein molecule. Because of its sugar content, it is called a glycoprotein. So it has come to be called the antifreeze fish glycoprotein, or AFGP.

1. What is the text mainly about?

A. The terrible conditions in the Antarctic.        B. A special fish living in freezing waters.

C. The ice shelf around Antarctica.             D. Protection of the Antarctic cod.

2.Why can the Antarctic cod live at the freezing temperature?

A. The seawater has a temperature of -1.88°C.   B. it loves to live in the ice-salt mixture

C. A special protein keeps it from freezing.

D. Its blood has a temperature lower than -2.05°C.

3.What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 5 refer to?

A. A type of ice-salt mixture.              B. A newly found protein.

C. Fish blood.                          D. Sugar molecule.

4.What does “glyco-” in the underlined word “glycoprotein” in the last paragraph mean?

A. sugar                B. ice          C. blood            D. molecule

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

Student-Led Public Walking Tour

The official Harvard tour is led by students and consists of an outdoor walk through Harvard Yard， providing a history of the university， general information， and a unique view on the student's individual experience． The tour is around one hour long， and completely free of charge． Currently we are only able to accommodate groups of up to 14 people． If you have a group of 15 or more， reservations are required．

A Self-Guided Walking Tour

If you are interested in touring the campus on your own， you may want a self-guided walking tour． Helpful tour brochures written in nine languages can be acquired from our office during working hours．

Western Ave． Arts Walk Tour

The Western Ave． Arts Walk Tour is led by students and consists of an outdoor walk along Western Avenue where visitors will learn about Allston's public art including both permanent and temporary works of art on view at the Harvard Ed Portal， the Harvard Business School as well as works related to Zone 3． The tour is approximately one hour long． Please wear comfortable shoes．

Harvard College Admissions Information Tour

The Harvard College Admissions & Financial Aid Office offers another guided tour of the undergraduate campus． This student-led tour of Harvard Yard is designed for students who have just been admitted into Harvard and those visitors wishing to learn more about student life．

1.What is special about A Self-Guided Walking Tour？ ______

A.It includes an outdoor walk．

B.It offers useful written materials．

C.It requires comfortable shoes．

D.It is around one hour long．

2.Which is most suitable for the new students of Harvard？ ______

A.Western Ave． Arts Walk Tour

B.Student-Led Public Walking Tour

C.A Self-Guided Walking Tour

D.Harvard College Admissions Information Tour

3.What's the purpose of the passage？ ______

A.To introduce the life of Harvard students．

B.To introduce the history of Harvard．

C.To introduce different tours of Harvard．

D.To tell students to walk around Harvard．

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析