In its early history, Chicago had floods frequently, especially in the spring, making the streets so muddy that people, horses, and carts got stuck. An old joke that was popular at the time went something like this: A man is stuck up to his waist in a muddy Chicago street. Asked if he needs help, he replies, “No, thanks. I’ve got a good horse under me.”
The city planner decided to build an underground drainage (排水) system, but there simply wasn’t enough difference between the height of the ground level and the water level. The only two options were to lower the Chicago River or raise the city. An engineer named Ellis Chesbrough convinced the city that it had no choice but to build the pipes above ground and then cover them with dirt. This raised the level of the city’s streets by as much as 12 feet.
This of course created a new problem: dirt practically buried the first floors of every building in Chicago. Building owners were faced with a choice: either change the first floors of their buildings into basements or lift the entire buildings to meet the new street level. Small wood-frame buildings could be lifted fairly easily. But what about large, heavy structures like the Tremont Hotel, which was a six-story brick building?
That’s where George Pullman came in. He had developed some house-moving skills successfully. To lift a big structure like the Tremont Hotel, Pullman would place thousands of jackscrews (千斤顶) beneath the building’s foundation and turn the jackscrews the same amount at the same time, thus raising the building slowly and evenly. Astonishingly, the Tremont Hotel stay open during the entire operation, and many of its guests didn’t even notice anything was happening.
Some people like to say that every problem has a solution. But in Chicago’s early history, every engineering solution seemed to create a new problem.
1. Why was the joke about Chicago mentioned in Paragraph 1?| A．To explain why horses were widely used. |
| B．To show the terrible road condition. |
| C．To prove Chicagoan were humorous. |
| D．To describe the lifestyle in the past. |
| A．Lower the Chicago River. |
| B．Build pipes above ground. |
| C．Fight against heavy floods. |
| D．Raise the level of streets. |
| A．It was hard to move its basement. |
| B．It was mainly made of wood. |
| C．It was too heavy to move easily. |
| D．There was no equipment to use. |
| A．Tremont Hotel was the biggest building in Chicago. |
| B．George became famous for moving Tremont Hotel. |
| C．It took great efforts to move Tremont Hotel. |
| D．Guests left Tremont Hotel before the move. |
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【推荐1】We have heard some interesting ways that 5G wireless(无线的) technology might change our lives in the future.
5G technology promises the internet speeds between 50 to 100 times faster than 4G systems. While 5G is set to be used in some limited areas of America this year, much of the world is not expected to receive widely used service until 2023.
One project in Britain, however, is already testing this super fast technology on an unlikely group Internet users—cows. The project was developed by American technology company Cisco Systems, Inc. It also receives money from the British government. Cisco says the program seeks to explore the future of 5G in countryside areas around the world.
Testing areas were set up at farms in 3 countryside areas of England. The cows are equipped with 5G devices(装置)that connect to a robotic milking(挤奶) system,which uses sensors(传感器) and machine learning to fully automate the process. System designers say technology takes over after a cow feels ready to be milked and walks towards an automatic gate. During the milking, machines give food for the cow as a reward.
Other 5G technology tools include automated brushes that turn on when the cow rubs up(蹭) against them. Sensors also control the amount of light to the cows living areas depending on the weather. And, an automatic feeding system makes sure the animals always have enough to eat.
Duncan Forbes, head of a government-funded agricultural engineering organization, told Reauters that the project shows the farm’s cow operation can be greatly improved with 5G technology and that the experiment provided strong evidence that 5G technology can be widely used in the future, not just on farms in Britain,but in countryside across the world.
1. What is the aim of Cisco Systems Inc’s project?| A．To win financial support from the British government |
| B．To test the effects of 5G technology on animals |
| C．To promote its technological development in Britain |
| D．To expand the future use of 5G in countryside |
| A．The project | B．The company |
| C．The technology | D．The group |
| A．It is no worse than 4G in terms of speed |
| B．It is already widely used all over the world |
| C．It has made improvements in operating the cows |
| D．It is based on sensors and machine learning |
| A．Entertainment | B．Lifestyle |
| C．Education | D．Technology |
【推荐2】Vancouver
Natural Resources
As a major centre for the global forestry industry, Vancouver is host to many international forestry conferences and events, and the natural home of the massive BC forestry business. Companies such as Canfor and West Fraser Timber Co., the second and third largest lumber (木材) producers in the world, are headquartered in Vancouver. Vancouver is also a major centre for the mining industry.
International Trade
International trade is a key part for Vancouver’s economy. The city has Canada’s largest port and is one of North America’s major gateways for Pan-Pacific trade. The Port of Vancouver ranks first in North America in total foreign exports and second on the West Coast in total goods volume.
Banking and Finance
The headquarters for HSBC Canada is located in the Financial District in downtown. Canada’s third largest commercial entity (实体), Jim Pattison Group is a so based in Vancouver.
International Relation
Vancouver is a major centre for diplomacy (外交) and foreign relations. Most countries of the world have consulate (领事馆) or general offices in the Central Business District. In fact, many major diplomatic conferences are hosted by the city-including the world famous G7 summit with President Clinton, APEC, and the World Trade Organization. Greenpeace has its world headquarters in the city. Therefore, Vancouver was among the first North American cities to declare itself a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.
Tourism
Tourism is a leading industry to Vancouver. The Whistler-Blackcomb Resort is among the most popular skiing resorts in North America, and was the site of the downhill events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Vancouver’s beaches, parks, waterfronts, and mountain backdrops and its multi-cultural character attract more and more tourists.
Films
Vancouver was also called “Hollywood North”, for hosting the production of about ten percent of Hollywood’s movies. Many U.S. television and film series are shot exclusively in Vancouver. This has partly been because of the favourable Canadian dollar exchange rate.
1. Which of the following descript in about Vancouver is NOT true according to the passage:| A．The Port of Vancouver ranks first in North America in total foreign exports. |
| B．Vancouver is a film production centre and called “Hollywood North”. |
| C．International forestry conferences and events were held in Vancouver. |
| D．Vancouver is a leading centre for the global agriculture and industry. |
| A．Jim Pattison Group. | B．WHO. |
| C．Greenpeace. | D．The 2010 Winter Olympics. |
| A．a business magazine | B．a geography book |
| C．a financial newspaper | D．an entertainment book |
【推荐3】Universities are working harder than ever to attract prospective students to their campuses. One of their main strategies is to upgrade on-campus accommodations and attract students with the promise of resort-style living.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Simmons Hall
MIT is home to Simmons Hall, the beloved freshman dorm that offers beautiful views of Cambridge, a two-story movie theater, and a ball pit designed to provide stress relief. Common areas are equipped with TVs and gaming systems, and the in-house dining hall and late night café come in handy for students pulling those occasional all-nighters. 62% of Simmons residents live in single rooms, so students can enjoy their privacy while still staying connected to the spirited Simmons community.
University of Cincinnati-Morgens Hall
The University of Cincinnati’s recently restored Morgens Hall boasts floor-to-ceiling views and luxury apartment-style living. These 2-person, 3-person, and 8-person rooms feature full kitchens, huge closets, and plenty of storage space. The entire building is full of neat tricks, from windows that darken with the touch of a button to eco-friendly heating and cooling technology.
Pomona College-Dialynas & Sontag Hall
Small liberal arts school Pomona College has not one but two of the best college dorms. Dialynas Hall and Sontag Hall, both constructed in 2011, gained national praise for their energy efficient design and are beloved by students for their modern look. Students live in suite-style rooms in arrangements of three to six bedrooms. There’s a drop-down movie screen, a rooftop garden and playing field for pick-up games. Students can learn more about their dorm’s sustainable design by spending time in the in-house eco-classrooms.
1. Which dorm is better for a student longing for privacy?| A．Simmons hall. | B．Morgens Hall. | C．Dialynas Hall. | D．Sontag Hall. |
| A．They are big-sized. | B．They help to save money. |
| C．They have TVs in the walls. | D．They are environmentally-friendly. |
| A．To promote low-carbon lifestyle. | B．To make campuses more inviting. |
| C．To test energy-efficient buildings. | D．To encourage game-based learning. |
【推荐1】I have well travelled in Spain and visited a good number of Spanish cities. However, no city will ever quite match Cadiz, where I spent six months studying as a student.
Before that, I knew very little about Cadiz but I decided to take a risk and explore it. Well, the risk certainly paid off.
Cadiz, Europe’s oldest city, hangs off Spain’s southern coast on a peninsula (半岛), surrounded almost entirely by water. As you leave the shady streets of the historical old city and explore more of it, you are met with vast areas of the blue Atlantic Ocean and white sandy beaches, which in my opinion are some of the best in Spain!
One of the great things about Cadiz is the wonderful, rich culture of food and drink. There are little tapa (小吃) bars lining every street and most will serve tapas for around 1.50—2 euros, meaning you can try a whole variety of Andalusian dishes.
Cadiz has also come to be known as “The Singing City”. It comes from the annual carnival (狂欢节), one of the biggest in Europe. A very large number of people go to Cadiz to see it. During those ten days, Cadiz’s narrow streets are filled with the sound of singing as musical groups fight for a place in the contest, which takes place on the last Saturday of carnival. The songs perfectly show the sense of humor of the Gaditanos, who, besides being so warm and welcoming, are said to have the best sense of humor in Spain!
That is my experience of Cadiz: a wonderful, typically Andalusian city which is often overlooked but well worth a visit. I am currently living in Huelva, just a short drive from Cadiz, so please pay attention to my next sharing!
1. What does the word “that” underlined in paragraph 2 refer to?| A．Competing in a match. | B．Studying in Cadiz. |
| C．Teaching a student. | D．Becoming an explorer. |
| A．The geographic position and scenery of Cadiz. |
| B．The beautiful life of people living in Cadiz. |
| C．The unknown origin and long history of Cadiz. |
| D．The author’s complex attitude towards Cadiz. |
| A．A number of local people enjoy humorous songs. |
| B．Many grand carnivals attract well-known singers. |
| C．Singing is everywhere during a big annual carnival. |
| D．A lot of singing competitions take place each year. |
| A．A geography textbook. | B．A post on the Internet. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．An encyclopedia. |
【推荐2】After a long winter, spring is the ideal time for sightseeing and exploring London’s green spaces.
1. Explore London’s parks and gardens
Spring time is one of the perfect times of year to explore London’s parks and gardens, when the city’s plants are blooming. Go and admire the rainbow of azaleas (杜鹃花) at Richmond Park or hire a chair in St James’s Park with a view of Buckingham Palace.
2. Enjoy the entertainment at spring festivals
There are a good many festivals and events held in London throughout spring. Make the most of the cultural exhibitions at the British Library Spring Festival, the Sundance Film Festival or the London Literature Festival; head for Shakespeares Globe which hosts open-air Shakespeare performances from late April to early October.
3. Get active
Warm weather means there’s no excuse for staying indoors, so go for a walking or cycling tour of London. Alternatively, walk the Thames Walkway, which follows the river all the way from central London to the countryside; make the most of London’s Boris Bikes which are available for hire all around the city and are free of charge for the first half hour. If you’re really looking for a challenge, take part in the famous London Marathon held annually in April.
4. Take to the waters
Whether cruising (航行) along the Thames River, hiring a rowing boat in Hyde Park or riding a canal boat around Little Venice, there are lots of fun ways to get on the water in London. Held every year since 1829, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race allows teams from England’s most famous universities to complete against each other, and draws huge crowds of watching people.
1. Which of the following can you do in London’s parks?| A．You can see Buckingham Palace from St James’s Park. |
| B．You can use London’s Boris Bikes for free for a whole day. |
| C．You can watch outdoor Shakespeare performances. |
| D．You can enjoy the rainbow at Richmond Park. |
| A．Row a boat in Hyde Park. | B．Attend the festivals in London. |
| C．Visit Richmond Park. | D．Walk the Thames Walkway. |
| A．To compare tourist attractions in London. |
| B．To show the beauty of the spring in London. |
| C．To suggest ways to enjoy spring in London. |
| D．To stress the importance of exploring London. |
【推荐3】A city is rising from the waters of the Indian Ocean. In a lagoon (泄湖),just 10 minutes by boat from Malé, the Maldivian capital, a floating (漂浮) city, big enough to house 20,000 people, is being constructed (建造)。
Designed in a pattern (模式) similar to brain coral (脑珊瑚),the city will consist of 5.000 floating units including houses, restaurants, shops and schools, with rivers running in between. Residents start to move in by early 2024, and the whole city is due to be completed by 2027. The project is not meant as a wild experiment: it’s being built as a practical solution to the reality of sea level rise.
Containing 1.190 low-lying islands, the Maldives is one of the world’s weakest nations to climate change. Eighty percent of its land area is less than one metre above sea level, and with sea level projected to rise up to a metre by the end of the century, almost the entire country would go under the water.
The units are constructed in a local shipyard, then pulled to the floating city. Once in position, they are joined to a large underwater concrete frame which is fixed to the seabed on telescopic (可伸缩的) steel poles that let it gently flow with the waves.
Koen Olthuis, founder of Waterstudio, the company that designed the city, said that the possible environmental effect of the structure was assessed by local coral experts and permitted by government authorities before construction began. The aim is for the city to be self-sufficient and have all the functions as one on land. There will be electricity powered mainly by solar energy. As an alternative to air conditioning, the city will use deep sea water cooling, which involves pumping cold water from the deep sea into the lagoon, helping to save energy.
1. What is the purpose of building the floating city?| A．To develop its tourism. | B．To get more living space. |
| C．To perform a wild experiment. | D．To deal with the rising sea level. |
| A．The feature of the city. | B．The location of the city. |
| C．The construction process of the city. | D．The building materials of the city. |
| A．Wind energy. | B．Solar energy. | C．Water energy. | D．Wave energy. |
| A．The city is environmentally friendly. |
| B．The city has no modern equipment. |
| C．The life of the city is not very convenient. |
| D．The government authorities love the life here. |
