Have you seen Jurassic Park? In this film, scientists use DNA kept for tens of millions of years to clone dinosaurs. They find trouble, however, when they realize that the cloned creatures are smarter and more dangerous than expected. That’s nothing more than a fiction.
But could we really clone endangered animals?
To date, the most successful att
empt to do so was the cloning of a gaur, a rare ox-like animal from southeast Asia. Scientists used a cow to bring the cloned baby gaur, named Noah. Two days after birth, however, Noah died from a common bacterial infection. Other endangered species that may be cloned include the African bongo antelope (邦戈羚羊), the Sumatran tiger, the cheetah (猎豹), and the giant panda. Next, could we really clone extinct animals?
In theory? Yes. To do this, you need a well-kept source of DNA from the extinct animals such as wool mammoth (毛象), Tasmanian tiger, or even dinosaur, and a closely related species, still living, which could serve as a surrogate mother.
In reality? Probably not. On the one hand, it’s not likely that extinct animals’ DNA could survive undamaged for such a long time. Cloning extinct animals as wool mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, or dinosaur is much more difficult due to the lack of properly well-preserved DNA. On the other hand, for example, a gaur can have a cow as a surrogate mother, defin
itely not a monkey. But what about an extinct animals as unique as the panda? What species could possibly serve as a surrogate mother?
Cloning presents many exciting possibilities. However, even if extinct animals are brought back, they could not survive in today’s world. Not only do most extinct animals have no habitat to love in, but the other plants and animals they depended on for food may also be gone as well.
1. It can be learned from the text that ________.
A. scientists have cloned the African bongo antelope
B. both the cheetah and the giant panda live in Asia
C. the gaur lives in Asia and is endangered
D. the gaur is an extinct species
2. The underlined words “a surrogate mother” probably refer to a female who -----
A. contributes its eggs to another female B. gives birth to a baby for another female
C. gives birth to a baby of its own D. cannot give birth to a baby
3. The difficulty in cloning an extinct species is the lack of ______.
A. both the well-preserved DNA and plants to live on
B. both the habitat to live in and the well-preserved DNA
C. both habitat to live in and plants to live on
D. both the well-preserved DNA and a surrogate mother
4. In the author’s opinion, it is possible that ______.
A. some extinct species may be cloned, but not survive
B. extinct species may be cloned and easily survive
C. a gaur can hav
e a monkey as a surrogate mother
D. all the extinct species may be cloned
5.Today , have scientists cloned dinosaus?
A .Yes B .No C .A lot D.Only one.
WASHINGTON, March 14 (Xinhua) —U.S. President Barack Obama confirmed on Saturday at the White House that China can have confidence in the American economy.
“Not just the Chinese government, but every investor can have absolute confidence in the soundness of investments in the United States,” Obama said.
“There is a reason why even in the midst of this economic downfall you have seen actual increases in investment flows here in the U. S.,”he said.
Obama also noted the U. S. will push for stricter regulation of the financial industry “front and center” at the upcoming Group of 20 Summit (峰会) in London ,ending an argument between the Europe and the United States over whether more focus should be placed on financial regulatory reform.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said earlier Friady he is “a little bit worried ”about the safety of Chinese assets (财产) in the United States ,urging the U. S. government to ensure the security of those assets.
China has invested its huge foreign exchangereserves (外汇储备) in low-risk but low-yield assets ,such as U. S.government bonds (政府债券) ,to play it safe . According to the U.S. Treasury, China held 681.9 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S. government bonds as of November.
“China is indeed the largest creditor of the United States, which is the world’ s biggest economy .We are extremely interested in developments in the U. S. economy.”said Wen, adding that he is expecting the effect of the measures taken by the U.S.government to counter the global financial crisis.
Asked to react to Wen’ s concern, Lawrence Summers, director of the U.S. National Economic Council, noted on Friday that the U.S. will be sound steward (管家)of the money it invests.
“This is a commitment that the president has made very clear—we need to be sound stewards of the money we invest.”said Summers in a speech at the Brookings Institution, a leading think tank in the united states.Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
| A.Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his worry about the huge fund to the United States. |
| B.Obama claimed that China can have confidence in the American economy. |
| C.Obama said that the U. S. would be “sound stewards of the money we invest.” |
| D.The U. S. will push for stricter regulation of the financial industry. |
It can most likely be inferred from the passage that.
| A.the U. S. is now having great difficulty improving the economy. |
| B.China will have confidence in Obama forever according to Wen’s speech |
| C.China held 681.9 billion U.S. dollars worth of U.S.government bonds as of November |
| D.China will do its best to help the U.S. overcome the global financial crisis. |
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said earlier Friday he is “a little bit worried”, because.
| A.he doesn’t have confidence in America’ s economy at all |
| B.China lent a huge fund to the United States |
| C.he is concerned about the security of China’s assets in the U. S. |
| D.the U.S. refused to ensure the security of China’s assets |
The underlined word “soundness” in the second paragraph can be replaced by “”
| A.loudness | B.safety | C.richness | D.friendship |
CCTV anchorman Luo Jing died of cancer on June 5 ,2009 at the age of 48.
In 1983 ,graduating from Beijing Broadcasting Institute, he began his career as a prime time newscaster for CCTV .Over the past decades , as an icon of China’s broadcasting industry,Luo Jing’s modest image and clear voice left unforgettable memories with his audience.
Last year when he was diagnosed as having lymph cancer ,he felt it too awful,for two weeks later he was to run the torch ,He asked doctors to keep the secret in order for him to complete the task of the Olympic torch. Finally, not only did he complete the task, but he participated in a series of voice – over work in the Olympic Games opening ceremony . After that ,he frankly said to the leader the next day,“I have completed the task and I am going to hospital today.”
Broadcast sowing rate of the News Network used to be 180words a minute, but increases to 300 words a minute, which is beyond most people’s ability. What’s more terror is the strict limit of time .Sometimes after a piece of news is broadcast, there is a few seconds left, when staff hand a message press release. The host must strictly control the time to broadcast the unexpected news. As soon as his voice fades , the program turns into the following images without one more second or less. In such high – intensity work environment, with the perfect professional he worked for 26 years without any error.
In life , we seldom mention comedy without tragedy, laughter without tears ,and joy without sorrow.Though the passing of Luo Jings brings us pain, it’s only fitting to remember his smiles with happiness. He’s been taken from us much too soon , but he leaves us what he’s been working for.When did Luo Jing go to hospital?
| A.As soon as he ran the torch. |
| B.As soon as he was diagnosed with cancer. |
| C.As soon as he felt uncomfortable. |
| D.After attending the Olympic Games opening ceremony. |
When Luo Jing began his career he wasyears old
| A.22 | B. 24 | C.26 | D.28 |
Through the fourth paragraph the writer intends to show.
| A.how high broadcast sowing rate of the News Network is |
| B.how remarkable the achievement that Luo Jing made was |
| C.what gifts a person should have if he wants to make a host |
| D.how terrible to become a host of the News Network |
What can be inferred from the passage?
| A.Luo Jing was modest. | B.Luo Jing had a clear voice. |
| C.Luo Jing had a strong will. | D.Luo Jing hated being pitied. |
填空(共10小题;每小题1分,满分l0分)
阅读短文,根据所读内容在表中的空格处填上适当的单词或短语。注意:每空不超过3个单词。
What causes traffic jams? Too many cars,right? No! Some Brits are now saying that trafficlights are to blame for much of the congestion.
They suggest that traffic lights be removed at busy roads.They believe people are a better judge of when it’s safe to go,not a traffic light programmed by an absent regulator.
A report from the Institute of Economic Affairs,a UK think tank(智囊团),argues that
abolishing traffic signals would decrease congestion,reduce exhaust(废气)emissions(排放)and improve safety.
The report said that removing lights should also prevent other bad behavior caused by signals.such、as speeding up to catch a green light It would also avoid the wasted time when drivers have to sit at a red light even if no one is using the green
The idea may sound strange,but it’s not new.Seven cities and regions in Europe are experimenting with no-lights roads.
Drachten in the Netherlands has gotten rid of 16 of its traffic light crossings and changed the other two to roundabouts under a“shared space”scheme.At crossings, cyclists dutifully raise their arm when they want to make a turn,and drivers follow a first.arrived,first.through approach and communicate by hand signs,nods and waving.The result? Typical journey time has been cut in half and accidents and congestion have mostly disappeared.
There have been small collisions but no problem,said Hans Monderman,creator of the scheme.“We want small accidents,in order to prevent serious ones.It works well because it’s dangerous.The driver has to be responsible for his or her own risk
“The many rules take away the ability to be considerate”Monderman added.“We’re losing our responsibility for socially responsible behavior.”
So far,Drachten’s locals have called the experiment a success.“I am used to it now,”said Helena Spaanstra.24.“You drive more slowly and carefully.but somehow you seem to get around town quicker.
Tony Ooostward,70,was equally enthusiastic.“I am a walker and now you are the boss at the crossroads,everyone waits for you.But at the same time walkers wait until there are a number of people wanting to cross at the same time.”
Owen Paterson,UK’s Shadow Transport Minister。visited Drachten.He said Britain should learn from the model.“The idea is to create space where there is mild anxiety among everyone so they all behave cautiously.No one drives fast along a busy street thinking that they have right of way.”
The model is being tested in London’s Kensington neighborhood.
阅读下面短文,简要回答问题。(共3小题;每小题2分,满分6分)
I was shopping in the supermarket when I.heard a young voice boom from across the aisle.“Mom,come here! There’s this lady here my size!”
The mother rushed to a boy she called Mickey;then she turned to me to apologize.
I smiled and told her,“It’s okay.”Then I talked to the boy,“Hi,Mickey,I’m Darry
Kramer.How are you?”
He studied mc from head to toe,and asked,“Arc you a little mommy?”
“Yes.I have a son”I answered
“Why are you so little?”he asked.
…It s the way I was born.”I said.“Some people are little.Some are tall.I’m just not going to grow any bigger.”After about five more minutes of answering questions,I shook Mickey’s hand, and he returned to his mother.
My life as a little person is filled with stories 1ike that.I enjoy talking to children and Explaining why I look different from their parents.it has taken many years to develop my confidence to be able to do that.
It takes only one glance to see my uniqueness.I stand three feet.nine inches tall I was born an achondroplasia dwarf(侏儒).Despite this,my parents encouraged me to do all the things the kids around me did when I was growing up When my neighbors got two-wheel bikes,I got a two-wheel bike When they roller-skated, I roller-skated.
I didn’t realize how short I was until I started school There,a few kids 1picked on me,calling me names.Then I knew.After that,I began to hate the first day of school cach year.I didn’t know who was new and would stare at me as I struggled to climb the school bus stairs.
As time went on,I just tried to smile and accept the fact that I was going to be noticed my whole life.I was determined to make my uniqueness an advantage rather than a disadvantage.
What I lacked in height,I made up for in personality.
I’m 47 now,and the stares have not diminished as I’ve grown older.People 1ook in disbelief when they see me get out of my car off the driver’s side.During those times,I try to keep a good attitude When people are rude,I remind myself,“Look what else I have—a great family.Nice friends.”
And it’s the children’s questions that make my 1ife special.When I talk with children.They leave content that their questions have been answered My hope is that in taking time with them,I will encourage them to accept their peers whatever size and shape they come in,and treat them with respect.How was the author brought up?(回答词数不超过9个)
_______________________________________________________________________________Why does the author enjoy talking to children?(回答词数不超过12个)
______________________________________________________________________________Please Use several words to describe the author’s personalities.(回答词数不超过5个)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Alexis De Tocqueville,the French political scientist,,historian,philosopher and politician.Is most famous for a four-volume book he wrote called Democracy in America.He came to America in 1831 to study the American form of democracy’and what it might mean to the rest of the world.After a visit of only nine months,,he wrote a remarkable book which is regarded as a classic.De Tocqueville had unusual powers of observation.He described not only the democratic system of government and how it operated,but also its effect on how Americans think, feel, and act, Many scholars believe he had a deeper understanding of traditional American beliefs and values than anyone else who has written about。the United States.What is so remarkable is that
many of these characteristics which he observed nearly 200years ago are still visible and
meaningful today.His observations are also important because the timing of his visit,the 1830s,was before America was industrialized.This was the era of the small farmer,the small businessman,and the settling of the western frontier.It was the period of history when the traditional values of the new country were newly established.In just a generation,some 40 years since the adoption of the U.S:Constitution.the new form of government had—already produced a society of people with unique values.He was,however,a fair observer and saw both the good and bad sides of these qualities.
The first part of Democracy m America was written in 1831—32 and published in 1835.A highly positive and optimistic account of American government and society,the book was very well received.He attempted to get a glimpse of the core of American society.all the while promoting his own philosophy:the equaling of the classes and the unavoidable depth of aristocratic(贵族的)privilege The rest of the book he labored on for four years.and in 1840 the second part was published.This was substantially more pessimistic than the first,warning of the dangers despotism (暴政)and governmental centralization,and applying his ideas and criticisms more directly to France.As a result, it was not received as well as the first part,except in England where it was highly thought of.What is the passage primarily about?
| A.Alexis De Tocqueville |
| B.Democracy in America |
| C.The progress achieved in America within about 40 years after adoption of the U.S.Constitution. |
| D.The influence of the book Democracy in America |
What in the passage is mentioned as being truly remarkable?
| A.Many of his observations are still visible and meaningful today. |
| B.The book was so detailed and thorough after only such a comparatively short visit. |
| C.That the second volume should be so pessimistic in comparison with the first. |
| D.De Tocqueville’s powers of observation. |
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
| A.The English don’t like the French |
| B.The book was most important because it was the first time that American values had been clearly documented. |
| C.De Tocqueville was a slow writer. |
| D.De Tocqueville was primarily motivated by an interest in his own country. |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
| A.The visit lasted only five months. |
| B.The visit coincided with American industrialization. |
| C.The first part was published in 1835;the second part in 1840. |
| D.The second part was more optimistic than the first. |