阅读理解

A

Astronauts on shorter shuttle missions (使命)often work very long days. Tasks are scheduled so tightly that break time is often used to finish the day's work. This type of schedule is far too demanding for long missions on the International Space Station (ISS). ISS crew members usu?ally live in space for at least a quarter of a year. They work five days on and two days off to mimic the normal way they do things on the earth as much as possible. Weekends give the crew valuable time to rest and do a few hours of housework. They can communicate with families and friends by e-mail, Internet phone and through private videoconferencing.

While astronauts cannot go to a baseball game or a movie in orbit, there are many familiar activities that they can still enjoy. Before a mission, the family and friends of each ISS crew member put together a collection of family photos?messa?ges ,videos and reading material for the astronaut to look at when he will be floating 370 kilometres above the earth. During their mission, astronauts also receive care packages with CDs, books, magazines, photos and letters. And from early 2010 , the Internet became available on the ISS,giving astronauts the chance to do some "web surfing(冲浪),,in their personal time. Besides relaxing with these more common en?tertainments ,astronauts can simply enjoy the experience of living in space.

Many astronauts say that one of the most relaxing things to do in space is to look out the window and stare at the universe and the earth. Both the shuttle and the ISS circle the planet several times each day, and every moment offers a new view of the earth's vast land mass and oceans.

1.What does the word "mimic" in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
A.Find.                         B. Copy.

C.Change.                       D. Lose.

2.Which of the following best describes the families of the astronauts on the ISS?

  A. They are caring and thoughtful.

B. They are worried and upset.

C. They are impatient and annoyed.

D. They are excited and curious.

3.  In the final paragraph,the author shows that astronauts______ .

  A. get more pleasure in space than on the earth

B. find living in space a bit boring and tiring

C. regard space life as common

D. love to see the earth from space

4. The passage mainly discusses how astronauts________ .

  A. work for long missions in space

B. connect with people on the earth

C. observe the earth from space

D. spend their free time in space

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 the earth? These are questions that, understand?ably, are very often asked.

Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic make-up(基因构成)as human be?ings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and 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 tend?ency 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 knowl?edge, 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 and technique have been acquired through exploration. The technique may have medical applica?tions which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefi?ted from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satel?lites for weather forecasting and in communication systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products(副产品)of technological developments in the space industry!

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 clanger 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 the 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 the earth.

2.  What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph 2?

  A.  Humans are natural-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. potential resources

C. unexpected benefits              D. physical possessions

4.  Which of the following statements can best sum up the passage?

  A.  Space exploration has created many wonders.

B.  Space exploration provides the best value for money.

C.  Space exploration can benefit science and technology.

D.  Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on the earth.

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