发布时间 : 星期二 文章湖北省武汉市高考英语二轮复习 阅读理解基础训练(29)更新完毕开始阅读4894955150d380eb6294dd88d0d233d4b04e3f13
湖北武汉市2016高考英语阅读理解二轮基础训练（29）
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 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 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.
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本文是一篇议论文，向我们阐述了人类进行太空探索的原因。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。人类探索太空可能暂时没有多大用处，但是在将来这可能会帮助人类生存下去。
1．Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph 1? A．To express his doubts.
C．To introduce points for discussion.
B．To compare different ideas.
D．To describe the conditions on Earth.
答案：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．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.
答案：A。细节理解题。根据第二段的第一句可知人类探索太空的原因是其基因的构成。 3．The underlined word “spin-offs” in Paragraph 4 probably refers to ________. A．survival chances C．unexpected benefits
B．potential resources D．physical possessions
答案：C。词义猜测题。后面所说的“improvements in earthquake prediction，in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems”可知此处的划线短语意为“益处，好处”。
4．What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets? A．Our genetic makeup.
C．The adaptive ability of humans.
B．Resources on the earth.
D．By-products in space exploration.
答案：C。细节理解题。根据最后一段的第一句话可知，人类的适应能力会让人类在其他星球生存下去。
5．Which of the 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 Earth.
答案：D。主旨大意题。A、B两项可以容易地排除。全文主要讲的是太空探索对帮助人类生存的益处，而不是对科技的益处。
2016高考训练题。阅读理解。
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阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。
China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I've found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it's the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors — silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.
It's fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks (人行道)．Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can't provide.
Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy.I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.
My first ride home was orderly (守秩序的)．To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn't want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.
Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time, skill and a little bit of luck.
I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.
1．According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today? A．Because they are traditional and safe. B．Because they are convenient and inexpensive. C．Because they are colorful and available. D．Because they are fast and environment friendly.
2．The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended ________. A．to ride it for fun B．to use it for transport C．to experience local culture D．to improve his riding skills
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3．How did the author feel about his street crossing? A．It was boring. B．It was difficult. C．It was lively. D．It was wonderful.
4．Which of the following best describes the author's biking experience? A．The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills. B．The author was annoyed by the air while riding. C．The author was praised by the other bikers. D．The author took great pleasure in biking. 参考答案1—4、B C B D
阅读理解。
“Old wives tales” are beliefs passed down from one generation to another, For example, most of us remember our patents’ telling us to eat more of certain foods or not to do certain things. Is there any truth in these teachings? Some of them agree with present medical thinking, but others have not passed the test of time
Did your mother ever tell you to eat your carrots because they are good for your eyes? Scientists now report that eating carrots can help prevent a serious eye disease called macular degeneration Eating just one carrot a day can reduce the possibility of getting this disease by 40%. Garlic（蒜）is good for you, too。It can kill the type of virus that causes colds.
Unfortunately, not all of Mom’s advice passed the test of medical studies. For example, generations of children have been told not to go swimming within an hour after eating. But research suggests that there is no danger in doing so. Do sweets cause tooth problems? Well, yes and no. sticky sweets made with grains tend to cause more problems than sweets made with simple sugars.
Even though science can tell us that some of our traditional beliefs don’t hold water, there is still a lot of truth in the old wives’ tales, After all, much of this knowledge has been accumulated （积累） from thousands of our traditional beliefs don’t hold
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