Have you ever wondered?
1.Why do airplanes take longer to fly west than east?
It can take five hours to go west-east from New York (NY) to London but seven hours to travel east-west from London to NY. The reason for the difference is an atmospheric phenomenon know as the jet (喷射) stream. The jet stream is a very high altitude wind which always blows from the west to the east across the Atlantic. The planes movement a constams air speed thus go faster in the west-east direction when the air moving with the wind than in the opposite direction.
2. What would happen if the gravity on Earth was suddenly turned off?
Supposing we could magically turn off gravity. Would buildings and other structures float away? What happened would depend on how strongly the things were attached to the Earth. The Earth is moving at quite a speed moving at over a thousand miles per hour. If you turn something round your head on a string, it goes around in a circle until you let go of the strong go of the string. Things not attached to the Earth would fly off in a straight line. People in buildings would suddenly shoot upwards at a great speed until they hit the ceiling. Most things would fly off into space.
1. What information can we get from the first passage?| A．It is the jet stream that affects how fast airplanes fly. |
| B．Planes go slower when they are moving with the wind. |
| C．It takes more time to fly from NY to London than from London to NY. |
| D．The jet stream always blows from the east to the west across the Atantic. |
| A．send for |
| B．move quickly |
| C．come out |
| D．grow quickly |
| A．buildings and other structures would float away |
| B．trees and buildings would not so easily fly off |
| C．something around your head would not float away |
| D．everything outside buildings would fly off into space |
| A．In a research paper |
| B．In a tort story. |
| C．In a travel magazine. |
| D．In a student’s book. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】When homework and tests keep you up late at night, you may plan to make up for your lost sleep during the weekends. But is it useful?
A study published in the journal Current Biology shows that the habit of sleeping in on weekends doesn’t fix the damage that has been done by a lack of sleep during the week. Even worse, it may damage your health.
In the study, which was conducted over 10 days, 36 healthy young men and women with different sleep requirements were divided into three groups. The first group were asked to sleep nine hours a night and the second group five hours a night. The members of the third group slept for five hours on weekdays but rested as long as they wanted on the weekend.
The researchers found that people who lacked sleep ate more snacks and gained weight quickly. However, this wasn’t the case for the first group.
That could be partially due to the shifting of the biological clock and changes to certain body hormones, especially hunger hormones. In order to catch up on their sleep during weekends, people in the third group would eat later as a habit. So their biological clocks shifted, which also changed the production of hunger hormones.
“The hormone leptin(瘦素) decreases appetite(胃口), while the hormone ghrelin(饿素) increases appetite,” explained US researcher Vsevolod Polotsky. “Sleep shortage causes leptin to drop and ghrelin to rise, so you’re hungry and eat more.”
And even if they tried to sleep for as long as they wanted to during weekends, according to researchers, it was still not enough because they found it difficult to fall asleep.
Moreover, short and insufficient sleep schedules will lead to an inability to change blood sugar and increase the risk of metabolic(新陈代谢) disease in the long term.
1. Which of the following is true about the study?| A．Participants were divided into two groups. |
| B．Researchers studied 36 children and adults. |
| C．It lasted for more than two weeks. |
| D．Each group follow different sleep requirements. |
| A．increasing | B．lacking | C．changing | D．shortening |
| A．They need to create more energy. |
| B．There is less leptin in their bodies. |
| C．They have a lower blood sugar. |
| D．Their bodies produce less hormones. |
| A．Appetite Affects our Sleep Quality |
| B．Sleeping in Causes Weight Loss |
| C．Catching up on Sleep Harms Our Body |
| D．Men and Women Sleep Differently |
The tinkling sound of a coin dropping on pavement is an attention-getter．It Can be nothing more than a penny．Whatever the coin is，no one ignores the sound of it．It got me thinking about sounds again．We are surrounded by so many sounds that attract the most attention．
People in New York City seldom turn to look when a fire engine，a police car or an ambulance comes screaming along the street．When I’m in New York，I’m a New Yorker．I don’t turn either．Like the natives，I hardly hear a siren(警报)there．
However，at home in my little town in Connecticut，it’s different．The distant sound of a police car, all emergency vehicle or a fire siren brings me to my feet if I’m seated and brings me to the window if I’m in bed．It’s the quietest sounds that have most effect on us．not the loudest．In the middle of the night, I can hear a dripping tap a hundred yards away thigh three closed doors．I’ve been hearing little creaking noises and sounds which my imaginnation turns into footsteps in the middle of the night for twenty-five years in our house．How come I never hear those sounds in the daytime?
I’m quite clear in my mind what the good sounds are and what the bad sounds are,I’ve turned against whistling，for instance：I used to think of it as the mark of a happy worker but lately I’ve been associating the whistler with a nervous person making unconscious noises．The tapping，tapping，tapping of my typewriter as the keys hit the paper is a lovely sound to me．I often like the sound of what I write better than the looks of it．
1. The sound of a coin dropping makes people________
| A．think of money | B．look at each other |
| C．pay attention to it | D．stop crossing the street |
| A．he has got tired of it | B．it reminds him of tense people |
| C．he used to be happier | D．he doesn’t like workers |
| A．Tapping sound of his typewriter． | B．Clinking sound of keys |
| C．Tinkling sound of a coin dropping． | D．Creaking sound of footsteps |
| A．They make him feel al home． | B．He thinks they should be ignored |
| C．He prefers silence to loud noises． | D．He believes they are part of our life |
【推荐3】People have many different ways to relax during break time at work or school. Smartphones are probably the number one choice for a quick mental vacation. Although it might seem like a good time, the result is opposite, according to a recent psychological study from Rutgers University.
For the study, more than 400 students were asked to finish a set of 20 words puzzles. Halfway through the task, the students were divided into three groups. One group was allowed to take a break and use cellphones to buy things online. The second group was asked to have a rest and buy things using a computer. The last group didn’t take any break at all.
Surprisingly, the group that used their cellphones during the break went back to work feeling the most tired and least motivated to continue. They also had the hardest time solving the remaining word puzzles.
Terri Kurtzberg, co-author of the study, explained that they assumed looking at cellphones during a break would be no different from any other break — but instead, the phone may cause increasing levels of distraction that make it difficult to return focused attention to work tasks.
“Cellphones may have this effect because even just seeing your phone activates thoughts of checking messages, connecting with people, and more, in ways that are different from how we use other screens like computers, and laptops,” Kurtzberg said.
This is echoed by a recent study from the US University of Chicago. It found that even if cellphones are turned off or turned face down their mere presence has a bad effect on a person’s cognitive (认知的) function.
1. What can we learn from the study?| A．The students were divided into groups at the beginning. |
| B．The last group had the hardest time solving the word puzzles. |
| C．Computers and laptops cause more distraction. |
| D．Cellphones may make people less focused on work. |
| A．Identified. | B．Confirmed. | C．Defined. | D．Ensured. |
| A．Try putting your smartphone away during your next break. |
| B．Using computers to shop online rather than cellphones. |
| C．Stop checking messages and connecting with people by cellphone. |
| D．Turning off your cellphone during work time. |
| A．Ways to relax for students. |
| B．The result from a word-puzzle game. |
| C．A study on using smart-phones to relax. |
| D．Effects brought by the smart-phone. |
【推荐1】 Some people learn a second language easily. Others have trouble learning a new language. How can you help yourself learn a new language, such as English？There are several ways to make learning English a little easier and more interesting.
The first step is to feel positive about learning English. If you believe that you can learn, you will learn. Be patient. You do not have to understand everything all at once. It is natural to make mistakes when you learn something new. We can learn from our mistakes. In other words, do not worry about taking risks（风险）.
The second step is to practise your English. For example, write a diary every day. You will get used to writing it in English, and you will feel comfortable expressing your ideas in English. Several weeks later, you will see that your writing is improving. In addition, you must speak English every day. You can practise with your classmates outside class. You will make mistakes, but gradually you will become comfortable communicating in English.
The third step is to keep a record of your language learning. You can write this in your Journal. After each class, think about what you did. Did you answer a question correctly？Did you understand something the teacher explained？Perhaps the lesson was difficult, but you tried to understand it.
You must have confidence about learning English and believe that you can do it. It is important to practise every day and make a record of your achievements. You will enjoy learning English, and you will feel more confident in yourself.
1. To feel positive about learning English means“ ”.| A．if you are patient, you will learn |
| B．if you believe you can learn,you will learn |
| C．if you keep a record you can improve |
| D．if you make mistakes,you can learn from your mistakes |
| A．To communicate in English. |
| B．To worry about taking risks. |
| C．To make a record of the achievements. |
| D．To think about what has been done after each class. |
| A．Diary. | B．Composition. |
| C．Magazine. | D．Newspaper. |
| A．It is very important to learn a second language. |
| B．Some people learn a second language easily while others do not. |
| C．Don’t worry about making mistakes when learning a second language. |
| D．Advice for people who learn English. |
Driving distance from Birmingham: Two hours and 10 minutes
With so many places to explore, the Peak District is a dream that will come true for leisure(悠闲的)divers. One of the area’s most famous roads, Snake Pass, was listed as one of the best driving roads by Auto Trader Magazine in 2009. The Pass, as is also known, has beautiful, green hills on each side and its winding roads also run beside the beautiful river Ashop.
Wenlock Edge, Shropshire
Driving distance from Birmingham: Two hours
Tracking further along to the Welsh border, you’ll find the Wenlock Edge Circuit. On the way, you’ll pass towns like Church Stretton, Much Wenlock, and Wenlock Edge. Allow around two hours for the circuit itself, following the A458 to Much Wenlock then back up north from the Shropshire Way, along the A49.
The Midlands Tick
Driving distance from Birmingham: One hour and 30 minutes
The Midlands Tick has featured high on driving experience wish lists for many years. Accessible and pretty, it’s the perfect excuse to keep you clear-headed. You’ll find quaint (古朴典的) villages and winding roads along the way.
Shropshire to Worcester
Driving distance from Birmingham: Two to three hours
For hills and history, there’s no better route in the area than the Shropshire and Worcestershire circuit. This is the ideal medicine for city tiredness, with its wide-open spaces and pretty pit stops. To max out the experience, add a stopover, and extend the trip in a country house somewhere along the way.
1. Where does the Wenlock Edge Circuit lie?| A．Near the Welsh border. | B．Beside the Church Stretton . |
| C．Along the A458. | D．In the North of Shropshire. |
| A．Find quaint villages. | B．Buy ideal medicine. |
| C．Get rid of tiredness. | D．Live in a country house. |
| A．Peak District, Derbyshire. | B．The Midlands Tick. |
| C．Wenlock Edge, Shropshire. | D．Shropshire To Worcester. |
【推荐3】A newly published study on frogs and malaria (疟疾) shows how closely human health may be influenced by these lovable creatures. In the 1980s, scientists in Costa Rica and Panama began to notice a quiet and dramatic decline in frog numbers. Frogs in this part of the world were falling prey to a deadly fungal pathogen (真菌病原体), and they were doing so at such a rapid rate that researchers at the time feared a wave of local extinctions.
Some scientists now argue the fungal pathogen has caused the greatest recorded loss of biodiversity to a disease ever. And it is responsible for significant declines in at least 501 amphibian (两栖类的) species, including 90 extinctions, from Asia to South America.
Frogs directly influence mosquito population sizes because mosquitoes are a key source of food, which means the numbers of amphibians could ultimately influence the vectors that spread deadly human diseases.
Comparing an amphibian decline map and malaria occurrence map between 1976 and 2016, researchers found a clear pattern that could be predicted with high accuracy and confidence by their model.
In the eight years after great amphibian losses from fungal pathogen, there was an increase in malaria cases equal to about 1 extra case per 1,000 people. This extra case would probably not have come about without the recent amphibian die-off. In a usual outbreak of malaria, occurrence rates usually peak from about 1.1-1.5 cases per 1,000 people. This means a loss of amphibians in Central America could have possibly driven a 70-90 percent increase in how many people were getting sick.
As you read this, the fungal pathogen is taking a ride around the world with global trade, and it threatens not just the future of amphibians but the health of our own species. As the current study reveals, frogs and human health often go hand-in-hand. We’re stuck together whether we like it or not.
1. What happened in the 1980s?| A．Malaria broke out in Costa Rica and Panama. |
| B．A wave of local extinctions occurred in Costa Rica. |
| C．The frogs decreased greatly in Costa Rica and Panama. |
| D．Scientists made a new invention in Costa Rica and Panama. |
| A．Declines. | B．Mosquitoes. | C．Amphibians. | D．Patterns. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Objective. | C．Optimistic. | D．Indifferent. |
| A．We should protect some lovable animals from dying off. |
| B．The number of frogs may have an effect on human health. |
| C．Human diseases are closely related to heavy losses of amphibians. |
| D．Scientists find the close connection between frogs and mosquitoes. |
