Question

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.

Answer 1

阅读理解

[文章大意]本文向我们阐述了人类探索太空的原因。人类的基因构成决定了人类探索其他领域包括太空的能力。或许人类探索太空暂时没有多大用处，但在未来可能会帮助人类生存下去。

1. C推理判断题。作者在第一段提出问题目的是引出下面要讨论的话题。

2. A细节理解题。根据第二段的第一句可知人类之所以探索太空是由人类的基因构成所决定的，即人类的天性使得人类去探索太空。

3. C 词义猜测题。结合下文所说的"…improvements in earth?quake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communication systems."可知此处的spin-offs意为"意夕卜但有用的派生物，副产品"。

4. D主旨大意题。全文主要讲的是太空探索在帮助人类生存方面的益处。