Architect Daniel Libeskind is the designer of...

Architect Daniel Libeskind is the designer of such global landmarks as New York's One World Trade Center and Berlin's Jewish Museum. In his new book, he reviews his life's work and its inspirations — including these books.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. I love Lewis Carroll; he's a total genius (天才). His two classic works are children's books for grown-ups because they show aspects of the creative mind that we all have but seldom use in adulthood. Inspired by Carroll, I make a habit of trying to learn seven amazing things before breakfast.

Ulysses by James Joyce. Joyce once said that if Dublin were destroyed, you could recreate the entire city from this novel. You can't do urban planning without Ulysses because it is a labyrinth (迷宫) you can never leave.

In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. Proust's great novel is really a book of reflections about how architecture — our living spaces — creates a blueprint (蓝图) for our dreams, our desires, our emotions, and our memories. Where we have lived, what we have eaten, and what kind of cups we use — all of those aspects are examined here in minute detail.

Emily Dickinson's Herbarium by Emily Dickinson. From childhood onward, Dickinson collected, pressed, and classified the plants she grew in her garden in Amherst. Through the pictures in this book, you can see how her poetry — all her symbols, all her metaphors (隐喻), the colors she mentions — mirrors nature. You don't even have to read her poetry to see what a great artist she was.

1.Which of the following books is set in Dublin?

A.Ulysses. B.In Search of Lost Time.

C.Through the Looking-Glass. D.Emily Dickinson's Herbarium.

2.Whose book has pictures of various plants?

A.James Joyce's. B.Emily Dickinson's.

C.Marcel Proust's. D.Lewis Carroll's.

3.What can be learned about the books mentioned in the text?

A.They are all novels. B.They are written for children.

C.They offer inspirations for Daniel Libeskind. D.They focus on the power of nature.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

A dozen ideas were considered _______ the chief architect decided on the design of the building.

高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

The design of everyday _________such as cups and tables is based on both practical and aesthetic values.

A. issues　　 B. regulations

C. fountains　　 D. objects

高二英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析

Humanity has begun wrestling with the dangers of global threats such as climate change.But few authorities are planning for catastrophic solar storms -huge eruptions of mass and energy from the sun that destroy Earth’s magnetic field. In a recent paper,two Harvard University scientists estimate the potential economic damage from such an event will increase in the future and could equal the current U.S.GDP-about＄20 trillion-150years from now.

This kind of storm has happened before.The so-called Carrington Event in 1859,the most intense magnetic storm ever recorded on Earth,caused auroras(极光）in the atmosphere and even delivered electric shocks to telegraph operators.But a Carrington-scale storm today would cause far more harm because society now depends so heavily on electrical power grids,communications satellites and GPS.

In an effort to quantify that threat,astrophysicists Abraham Loeb and Manasvi Lingam of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics developed a mathematical model that assumes society's vulnerability(脆弱性）to solar storms will grow with technological advances.Under this model,during the next 50 years the potential for economic damage will depend primarily on the rising odds of a strong solar storm over time.Beyond 50 years our vulnerability will increase dramatically with technological progress until the latter levels off.

Some scientists question the model’s predictions. “Estimating the economic impact is challenging now, let alone in over a century,” says Edward Oughton, a research associate at the University of Cambridge's Center for Risk Studies.Yet he warns that uncertainty should not stop us from practical preparations, such as making power grids stronger and improving early-warning systems.

Loeb and Lingam think up a much wider strategy:$100-billion magnetic deflector shield(导流板）, positioned between Earth and the sun. This idea seems “pretty preposterous, ”however, given that solar particles arrive at Earth from all directions,says Daniel Baker,director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

A better understanding of"space weather"-the changing condition in Earth's outer space environment, including solar radiation and particles-could help find the best strategies for confronting a dangerous solar storm,says Stacey Worman,a senior analyst at consulting firm Abt Associates."This is a challenging but important question,"Worman says,"that we need more eyes on."

1.According to Edward Oughton,which of the following about solar storms is right?

A.They will become much stronger in 150 years.

B.Technology makes their potential damage grow.

C.Space weather forecast can effectively help deal with them.

D.It's difficult to predict their possible economic damage.

2.The underlined word “preposterous” in Paragraph 5 means

A.innovative B.practical

C.unreasonable D.inflexible

3.The author writes the passage mainly to_

A.remind people to guard against solar storms

B.report the damage of solar storms

C.introduce the characteristics of solar storms

D.analyze the possible cause of solar storms

高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

While famous foreign architects are invited to lead the designs of landmark buildings in China such as the new CCTV tower and the National Center for the Performing Arts, many excellent Chinese architects are making great efforts to take the center stage.

Their efforts have been proven fruitful. Wang Shu, a 49-year-old Chinese architect, won the 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize -which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize in architecture-on February 28. He is the first Chinese citizen to win this award.

Wang serves as head of the Architecture Department at the China Department at the China Academy of Art (CAA). His office is located at the Xiangshan campus (校园) of the university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Many buildings on the campus are his original creations.

The style of the campus is quite different from that of most Chinese universities. Many visitors were amazed by the complex architectural space and abundant building types. The curves (曲线) of the buildings perfectly match the rise and fall of hills, forming a unique view.

Wang collected more than 7 million abandoned bricks of different ages. He asked the workers to use traditional techniques to make the bricks into walls, roofs and corridors. This creation attracted a lot of attention thanks to its mixture of modern and traditional Chinese elements.

Wang’s works show a deep understanding of modern architecture and a good knowledge of traditions. Through such a balance, he had created a new type of Chinese architecture, said Tadao Ando, the winner of the 1995 Pritzker Prize.

Wang believes traditions should not be sealed in glass boxes at museums. “That is only evidence that traditions once existed, ” he said.

“Many Chinese people have a misunderstanding of traditions. They think tradition means old things from the past. In fact, tradition also refers to the things that have been developing and that are still being created, “he said.

“Today, many Chinese people are learning Western styles and theories rather than focusing on Chinese traditions. Many people tend to talk about traditions without knowing what they really are,” said Wang.

The study of traditions should be combined, with practice. Otherwise, the recreation of traditions would be artificial and empty, he said.

1.What should we do about Chinese traditions according to Wang?

A. Spread them to the world　　 B. Preserve them at museums

C. Teach them in universities.　　 D. Recreate them in practice.

2.Wang's winning of the prize means that Chinese architects are__________.

A. following the latest world trend　　 B. getting international recognition

C. working harder than ever before　　 D. relying on foreign architects

3.What impressed visitors to the CAA Xiangshan campus most?

A. Its hilly environment.　　 B. Its large size.

C. Its unique style.　　 D. Its diverse functions

4.What made Wang’s architectural design a success?

A. The mixture of different shapes.　　 B. The balance of East and west.

C. The use of popular technique.　　 D. The harmony of old and new.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

While famous foreign architects are invited to lead the designs of landmark buildings in China such as the new CCTV tower and the National Center for the Performing Arts, many excellent Chinese architects are making great efforts to take the center stage.

Their efforts have been proven fruitful. Wang Shu, a 49-year-old Chinese architect, won the 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize --- which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize in architecture ---on February 28. He is the first Chinese citizen to win this award.

Wang serves as head of the Architecture Department at the China Academy of Art (CAA). His office is located at the Xiangshan campus of the university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Many buildings on the campus are his original creations.

The style of the campus is quite different from that of most Chinese universities. Many visitors were amazed by the complex architectural space and abundant building types. The curves (曲线) of the buildings perfectly match the rise and fall of hills, forming a unique view.

Wang collected more than 7 million abandoned bricks of different ages. He asked the workers to use traditional techniques to make the bricks into walls, roofs and corridors. This creation attracted a lot of attention thanks to its mixture of modern and traditional Chinese elements.

Wang’s works show a deep understanding of modern architecture and traditions. Through such a balance, he had created a new type of Chinese architecture, said Tadao Ando, the winner of the 1995 Pritzker Prize.

Wang believes traditions should not be sealed in glass boxes at museums. “That is only evidence that traditions once existed,” he said.

“Many Chinese people have a misunderstanding of traditions. They think tradition means old things from the past. In fact, tradition also refers to the things that have been developing and that are still being created, ”he said.

“Today, many Chinese people are learning Western styles and theories rather than focusing on Chinese traditions. Many people tend to talk about traditions without knowing what they really are,” said Wang.

The study of traditions should be combined, with practice. Otherwise, the recreation of traditions would be artificial and empty, he said.

1.Wang's winning of the prize means that Chinese architects are ____.

A. following the latest world trend

B. getting international recognition

C. working harder than ever before

D. relying on foreign architects

2.What impressed visitors to the CAA Xiangshan campus most?

A. Its hilly environment.

B. Its large size.

C. Its unique style.

D. Its diverse functions

3.The Xiangshan campus of the CAA in Hangzhou is also a green project because ____.

A. it used more than 7 million abandoned bricks of different ages

B. it has complex architectural space and abundant building types

C. the curves of the buildings perfectly match the rise and fall of hills

D. it’s full of modern and traditional Chinese elements

4.What made Wang’s architectural design a success?

A. The mixture of different shapes.

B. The harmony of old and new.

C. The use of popular technique.

D. The balance of complexity and simplicity.

5.What should we do about Chinese traditions according to Wang Shu?

A. Spreading them to the world.

B. Preserving them at museums.

C. Teaching them in universities.

D. Recreating them in practice.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

While famous foreign architects are invited to lead the designs of landmark buildings in China such as the new CCTV tower and the National Center for the Performing Arts, many excellent Chinese architects are making great efforts to take the center stage.

Their efforts have been proven fruitful. Wang Shu a 49-year-old Chinese architect, won the 2012 Pritzker Architecture Prize -which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize in architecture- -on February 28. He is the first Chinese citizen to win this award.

Wang serves as head of the Architecture Department at the China Department at the China Academy of Art(CAA). His office is located at the Xiangshan campus （校园）of the university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Many buildings on the campus are his original creations.

The style of the campus is quite different from that of most Chinese universities. Many visitors were amazed by the complex architectural space and abundant building types. The curves （曲线）of the buildings perfectly match the rise and fall of hills, forming a unique view.

Wang collected more than 7 million abandoned bricks of different ages. He asked the workers to use traditional techniques to make the bricks into walls, roofs and corridors. This creation attracted a lot of attention thanks to its mixture of modern and traditional Chinese elements.

Wang’s works show a deep understanding of modern architecture and a good knowledge of traditions. Through such a balance, he had created a new type of Chinese architecture, said Tadao Ando, the winner of the1995 Pritzker Prize.

Wang believes traditions should not be sealed in glass boxes at museums. “That is only evidence that traditions once existed, “ he said.

“Many Chinese people have a misunderstanding of traditions. They think tradition means old things from the past. In fact, tradition also refers to the things that have been developing and that are still being created, “he said.

“Today, many Chinese people are learning Western styles and theories rather than focusing on Chinese traditions. Many people tend to talk about traditions without knowing what they really are," said Wang.

The study of traditions should be combined, with practice. Otherwise, the recreation of traditions would be artificial and empty, he said.

1.Wang's winning of the prize means that Chinese architects are

A. following the latest world trend　　 B. working harder than ever before

C. getting international recognition　　 D. relying on foreign architects

2.What impressed visitors to the CAA Xiangshan campus most?

A. Its unique style.　　 B. Its large size

C. Its hilly environment.　　 D. Its diverse functions.

3.What made Wang's architectural design a success？

A. The mixture of different shapes.　　 B. The harmony of old and new.

C. The use of popular techniques　　 D. The balance of East and West

4.What should we do about Chinese traditions according to Wang?

A. Spread them to the world.　　 B. Preserve them at museums.

C. Teach them in universities.　　 D. Recreate them in practice.

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

The Chinese-born American architect Ieoh Ming Pei is one of the most creative architects of our times. He has incorporated both eastern and western ideas into his designs.

Ieoh Ming Pei was born in Guangzhou, China on April 26, 1917. His father was a famous banker. In 1935, at the age of 17, he came to the United States to study architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1942, he entered the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy selected Pei to design the Kennedy library. After that he became well-known all of the world. People named it one of the Ten Best Buildings in the United States. In 1968, Pei started work on the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington D.C.. Over one million people visited the building during its first 50 days in existence.

Following the East Wing project Pei's fame has continued to grow widely. In 1983, French President commissioned(委任) Pei to help make the Louvre more modern. Ten years later, the completion of Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre created a new historic landmark for Paris. Pei described it as, "the greatest challenge and greatest accomplishment of my career." At Fragrant Hill, a 300-room hotel in the Chinese capital, Pei has attempted to bring to his native China his often-quoted "third way of making buildings." Avoiding both a complete copying of traditional Chinese motifs(特色) as well as the modernism of the West, Pei has managed, at Fragrant Hill, to make one of his most eloquent(有说服力的) statements.

Pei has designed nearly 50 projects in the United States and abroad. About half of these projects have won major awards. Pei has been awarded the highest honors from nations over the world. In 1990, Pei was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush for his contributions to world peace and service to the US government.

56. Which is the right order of the events of Ieoh Ming Pei?

Pei started work on the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington DC.

Ieoh Ming Pei entered the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The completion of Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre created a new historic landmark for Paris.

Ieoh Ming Pei was selected to design the Kennedy library.

Ieoh Ming Pei was born in Guangzhou.

Pei was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George Bush.

Ieoh Ming Pei came to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

French President commissioned Pei to help make the Louvre more modern.

A. e-g-d-b-a-h-c-f     B. e-g-b-d-a-h-c-f     C. e-g-b-d-h-a-c-f       D. e-g-b-d-a-h-f-c

1.The underlined word “incorporate” can be replaced by __________.

2.It was ____________ that Ieoh Ming Pei became world-famous.

3. __________ is an excellent building that shows both the traditional Chinese motifs and the modernism of the West.

4. We can infer that about _________of Ieoh Ming Pei’s projects have won major awards.

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

1

Wherever such an area is located, it will be immediately ______ by the enemy if armed forces are lacking.

A. taken                       B. caught                      C. occupied                  D. kept

高二英语简单题查看答案及解析

Global warming is the increase of the earth’s average surface temperature due to the effect of greenhouse gases, for example, carbon dioxide, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from the earth. After the trees are cut down and more greenhouse gases are released, the “blanket” around the earth called the ozone layer (臭氧层), will get thicker. This catches more heat and makes the earth hotter. Luckily, there are many things that every citizen of the earth can do to help reduce the effects of global warming, and it’s never too late or too early for children to take action.

The children should learn what a carbon footprint is. A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon and greenhouse gases people make as they lead the daily life and go about the normal activities. In other words, the carbon footprint is a measure of the environmental impact (冲击) the life has. To live an environmentally friendly life that doesn’t contribute to global warming, people want to have the smallest carbon footprint possible.

Almost everything people do contributes to global warming and is related to fossil fuel consumption. These can be direct uses of fossil fuels, like riding in a gasoline-powered car, or indicrect contributions to greenhouse gases, such as eating fruits or vegetables that had to be shipped from far way to reach their tables.

If a child wants to make a contribution to reducing global warming, he should ride a bicycle to the near park, school, his friend’s house, or anywhere else instead of taking the car. Or he may try to walk or jog, which is also helpful. In addition, although trains and buses often run on fossil fuels, on average, each person uses less energy and produces less pollution to run. Next time if children with their parents have to get around town or it’s too far to walk or bike, take the bus or other public transportation instead of asking for a ride.

1.What is the first paragraph mainly about?

A.A brief description of carbon footprint

B.The serious water pollution.

C.The protection of ozone layer.

D.The causes of global warming

2.Which of the following can describe the carbon footprint?

A.Useless. B.Expensive.

C.Helpful. D.Attractive.

3.What can kids do if they want to help reduce global warming?

A.Go to the near park by bus.

B.Walk or cycle as much as possible.

C.Keep staying at home or school.

D.Go around the town with parents by car.

4.What can be a suitable title for the text?

A.What Can People Do to Use Less Energy?

B.How Can Kids Help Reduce Global Warming?

C.How Does Carbon Footprints Measure Pollution?

D.Why Global Warming Affects Humans’ Life?

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析