题目内容
Yellowstone ParkLong before any recorded human history in Yellowstone, a massive(巨大的)volcanic eruption spat out a great amount of ash that covered all of the western U.S. , much of the Midwest, northern Mexico and some areas of the eastern Pacific. The eruption lowered that of Mt.St. Helens in 1980 and left a hole 30 miles wide by 45 miles long.
That climactic event occurred about 640,000 years ago, and was one of many processes that shaped Yellowstone National Park—a region once said to be“the place where hell bubbles(起泡)up.”Geothermal(地热的)wonders, such as Old Faithful, are evidence of one of the world's largest active volcanoes. These exciting features puzzled the park's earliest visitors, and helped lead to the creation of the world's first national park.
Fur trappers'(捕获者)fantastic tales of cauldrons(大锅炉)of bubbling mud and roaring geysers(间歇泉)sending steaming feathers skyward made their way back east. Several expeditions were sent to look into it, opening the West to further exploration and exploitation. In 1871, Ferdinand Hayden led an expedition that included artist Thomas Moran and photographer William H.Jackson. They brought back images that helped convince(使信服). Congress that the area known as Yellowstone needed to be protected and preserved.
In 1872, President Ulysses S.Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be“devoted and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
(1) This passage mainly tells us about
[ ]
A.How Yellowstone park got its name
B.How Yellowstone park became a public park
C.When Yellowstone park had a volcanic eruption
D.Why Yellowstone park became a public park
(2) A massive volcanic“eruption”in the passage means
[ ]
(3) It can be concluded from the passage that
[ ]
A.The U.S. agreed to make it a national park as soon as the eruption happened
B.The U.S. government found it a good way to make a profit by making it a public park
C.Many people did a lot before the congress agreed to make it a national park
D.It became a public park so that the government could win again in the coming election
(4) Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?
[ ]
A.The volcanic eruption made the Mt.St.Helens appeared lower than before.
B.The earliest visitors were so attracted by the wonderful features that they suggested that it become a national park.
C.Yellowstone became a national park owing to the efforts of a great many people.
D.Before 1872 Yellowstone had become a public park by law because it was so beautiful.
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.
【小题1】Choose the best title for this passage.
A.Wind, water, fire and ice |
B.Volcano’s beauty and danger |
C.The power of nature |
D.Natural force shape beautiful land of America |
A.The smoke | B.The clouds. | C.The fog. | D.The ash. |
A.The body of old Harry |
B.The location of Harry’s home |
C.The opening on top of Mt St Helens |
D.The place where Harry probably died |
A.Washington and Oregon are neighboring states |
B.Colorado River runs through Yosemite Valley |
C.The eruption of Mt St Helens also caused trouble with the Yellowstone Park |
D.Scientists never knew Mt St Helens was active |
ARIZONA
Thunderbird Lodge in Canyon de Chelly
A one-night stay at the historic lodge starts at $59 for a single room and the lodge offers half-day tours of Canyon de Chelly ( $41 for adults and $32 for children aged 12 and under).
Time: May 31, 2009 ~ Nov. 1, 2009
Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 17.1 percent
Contact: 800/679-2473, tbirdlodge.com
CALIFORNIA
Zephyr Cove Resort at Lake Tahoe
A three-night stay in a lakeside cabin(小木屋) for two people, an Emerald Bay sightseeing for two, free breakfast and lunch. Rates are $299 per couple – saving of up to $400.
Details: Hotel taxes are included
Time: Through Dec. 15, 2009
Contact: 800/234-8946, zephyrcove.com
NEVADA
Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas
A one-night stay at the mediterranean-style Montelago Village, 17 miles from Las Vegas. Rates start at $65 per person including ice-skating fees and skate rentals.
Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 12 percent
Time: Nov. 17, 2009~Jan. 15, 2010
Contact: 866/399-2753, montelagovillage.com
YELLOWSTONE
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
A two-night stay, breakfast daily, full day ski rental, unlimited ice-skating and skates and a book of Yellowstone photos. Rates start at $119 per person. A one-night stay at the hotel starts at $65.
Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 8 percent
Time: Jan .1, 2010~May 2, 2010
Contact: 866/439-2473, travelyellowstone.com
1.If a couple and their 14-year-old son want to have a half-day tour of Canyon de Chelly on Oct. 13, 2009, they should pay __________.
A.$114 |
B.$123 |
C.$177 |
D.$189 |
2. If you are interested in ice-skating, you may find more information in __________.
A.tbirdlodge.com and zephyrcove.com |
B.montelagovillage.com and tbirdlodge.com |
C.zephyrcove.com and travelyellowstone.com |
D.travelyellowstone.com and montelagovillage.com |
3.If you have a holiday in December, and intend to stay in a European-style hotel, you may go to __________.
A.Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel |
B.Zephyr Cove Resort at Lake Tahoe |
C.Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas |
D.Thunderbird Lodge in Canyon de Chelly |