题目内容

阅读理解。
     Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and
researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather
than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.
     Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup (基因构成) as human beings. What drove our
ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The
wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring
space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.
Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas
can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.
      Exploration also allows minerals and other potential (潜在的) resources to be found. Even if we
have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical
possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may
have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited
from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather
forecasting and in communications systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副产品)  of technological developments in the space.
     While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may
hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds
dangers. The danger exists, but knowledge can help human beings to survive. Without the ability to reach
out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.
     While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow
us to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have
adapted in the past and surely could in the future.
1. Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph 1?
A. To express his doubts.
B. To compare different ideas.
C. To introduce points for discussion.
D. To describe the conditions on Earth.
2. What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph 2?
A. Humans are nature-born to do so.  
B. Humans have the tendency to fight.
C. Humans may find new sources of food.
D. Humans don't like to stay in the same place.
3. The underlined word "spin-offs" in Paragraph 4 probably refers to______.

A. survival chances  
B. unexpected benefits
C. potential resources
D. physical possessions

4. What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets?
A. The adaptive ability of humans.
B. Resources on the earth..
C. Our genetic makeup.
D. By-products in space exploration.
5. Which of the statements can best sum up the passage?
A. Space exploration has created many wonders.
B. Space exploration provided the best value for money.
C. Space exploration can benefit science and technology.
D. Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth.
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阅读理解。
     One year ago today, seven patients shared their stories of illness and recovery on the New York Time Well
(a blog), according to a report published in April,2009.
     They were the first Patient Voices, a regular series that offers a first person (第一人称的) description of
the challenges patients face as they deal with different kinds of health problems. Since the first Patient Voices
appeared, New York Times producer Karen Barrow has continued to give a voice to a lot of patient stories.
     We heard from Jacqueline Castine of Bloomfield Hills, Mich,who had bipolar disorder (躁郁症), and whose
son also suffered from mental (精神的) illness."I could not save him," she said."I could not fix (惩罚 ) him.
He leaves a beautiful daughter and a very sad mother."
     And there is runner Alyssa Johnson,43,who was training for the Boston Marathon in 2003 when she began
showing the first signs of Parkinson's disease." Sometimes when I'm running I'll come to a long downhill, and
my legs work the way they used to work and my arm swings (摆动) the way it used to. It's like running before Parkinson's, and that's the best feeling.
     And then there's the voice of Robin Grinsted, 50, of Swansea, S. C.,who has H. I. V. She is refused by her
church and feels lonely."They're not accepting," she said." But I know there will be people putting their arms
around me some day."
      To hear more from these patients and the many others wh. have taken part in the series, explore the links (链接) below to all the Patient Voices we've heard from in the past 12 months.
1. When did the seven patients begin to share their stories of illness?
A. In 2009.
B. In 2008.
C. In 2003.
D. In 2002.
2. According to the passage, Patient Voices refers to ______ .
A. a series of suggestions from patients
B. a magazine published by patients
C. a series of patients' stories
D. a blog shared by patients
3. From what Jacqueline Castine said, we know her son  _____.
A. might have killed himself
B. died of bipolar disorder
C. was killed in an accident
D. didn't want to stay at home
4. What do we know about Alyssa Johnson?
A. She tried hard to fight Parkinson's disease.
B. She is preparing for the Boston Marathon.
C. She was depressed at the thought of Parkinson's disease.
D. She didn't like running before she had Parkinson's.