更新时间：作者：小小条
考点01 说明文
1.（2024年新高考I卷D篇阅读理解）In the race to document the species on Earth before they go extinct, researchers and citizen scientists have collected billions of records. Today, most records of biodiversity are often in the form of photos, videos, and other digital records. Though they are useful for detecting shifts in the number and variety of species in an area, a new Stanford study has found that this type of record is not perfect.
“With the rise of technology it is easy for people to make observations of different species with the aid of a mobile application,” said Barnabas Daru, who is lead author of the study and assistant professor of biology in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences. “These observations now outnumber the primary data that comes from physical specimens (标本), and since we are increasingly using observational data to investigate how species are responding to global change, I wanted to know: Are they usable?”
Using a global dataset of 1.9 billion records of plants, insects, birds, and animals, Daru and his team tested how well these data represent actual global biodiversity patterns.
“We were particularly interested in exploring the aspects of sampling that tend to bias (使有偏差) data, like the greater likelihood of a citizen scientist to take a picture of a flowering plant instead of the grass right next to it,” said Daru.
Their study revealed that the large number of observation-only records did not lead to better global coverage. Moreover, these data are biased and favor certain regions, time periods, and species. This makes sense because the people who get observational biodiversity data on mobile devices are often citizen scientists recording their encounters with species in areas nearby. These data are also biased toward certain species with attractive or eye-catching features.
What can we do with the imperfect datasets of biodiversity?
“Quite a lot,” Daru explained. “Biodiversity apps can use our study results to inform users of oversampled areas and lead them to places — and even species — that are not well-sampled. To improve the quality of observational data, biodiversity apps can also encourage users to have an expert confirm the identification of their uploaded image.”
32. What do we know about the records of species collected now?
A. They are becoming outdated. B. They are mostly in electronic form.
C. They are limited in number. D. They are used for public exhibition.
33. What does Daru’s study focus on?
A. Threatened species. B. Physical specimens.
C. Observational data. D. Mobile applications.
34. What has led to the biases according to the study?
A. Mistakes in data analysis. B. Poor quality of uploaded pictures.
C. Improper way of sampling. D. Unreliable data collection devices.
35. What is Daru’s suggestion for biodiversity apps?
A. Review data from certain areas. B. Hire experts to check the records.
C. Confirm the identity of the users. D. Give guidance to citizen scientists.
【答案】32. B 33. C 34. C 35. D
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了斯坦福大学的一项研究发现，数字生物多样性记录存在偏见，建议应用程序引导公民科学家获取更好的数据。
【32题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段“Today, most records of biodiversity are often in the form of photos, videos, and other digital records. (今天，大多数生物多样性
记录通常以照片、视频和其他数字记录的形式出现。)”可知，现在收集的物种记录大多是以电子形式存在的。故选B。
【33题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“These observations now outnumber the primary data that comes from physical specimens (标本), and since we are increasingly using observational data to investigate how species are responding to global change, I wanted to know: Are they usable? (这些观察结果现在超过了来自物理标本的原始数据，而且由于我们越来越多地使用观察数据来研究物种如何应对全球变化，我想知道：它们有用吗?)”和第四段““We were particularly interested in exploring the aspects of sampling that tend to bias (使有偏差) data, like the greater likelihood of a citizen scientist to take a picture of a flowering plant instead of the grass right next to it,” said Daru. (Daru说“我们特别感兴趣的是探索取样容易产生数据偏差的方面，比如公民科学家更有可能拍摄开花植物的照片，而不是它旁边的草。”)”可知，Daru的研究聚焦于观察数据，即人们通过移动应用记录的物种观察数据。故选C。
【34题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段““We were particularly interested in exploring the aspects of sampling that tend to bias (使有偏差) data, like the greater likelihood of a citizen scientist to take a picture of a flowering plant instead of the grass right next to it,” said Daru. (Daru说“我们特别感兴趣的是探索取样容易产生数据偏差的方面，比如公民科学家更有可能拍摄开花植物的照片，而不是它旁边的草。”)”以及第五段“This makes sense because the people who get observational biodiversity data on mobile devices are often citizen scientists recording their encounters with species in areas nearby.( 这是有道理的，因为在移动设备上获得观察生物多样性数据的人通常是公民科学家，他们记录了他们在附近地区与物种的接触。)”可知，导致数据偏差的原因是采样方式的不当。故选C。
【35题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段“Biodiversity apps can use our study results to inform users of oversampled areas and lead them to places — and even species — that are not well-sampled. To improve the quality of observational data, biodiversity apps can also encourage users to have an expert confirm the identification of their uploaded image. (生物多样性应用程序可以使用我们的研究结果来告知用户样本过多的地区，并将他们引导到样本不足的地方，甚至是物种。为了提高观测数据的质量，生物多样性应用程序还可以鼓励用户让专家确认他们上传的图像的身份。)”可知，Daru 建议生物多样性应用应该给公民科学家提供指导。故选D。
2.（2024年新高考II卷C篇阅读理解）We all know fresh is best when it comes to food. However, most produce at the store went through weeks of travel and covered hundreds of miles before reaching the table. While farmer’s markets are a solid choice to reduce the journey, Babylon Micro-Farm (BMF) shortens it even more.
BMF is an indoor garden system. It can be set up for a family. Additionally, it could serve a larger audience such as a hospital, restaurant or school. The innovative design requires little effort to achieve a reliable weekly supply of fresh greens.
Specifically, it’s a farm that relies on new technology. By connecting through the Cloud, BMF is remotely monitored. Also, there is a convenient app that provides growing data in real time. Because the system is automated, it significantly reduces the amount of water needed to grow plants. Rather than watering rows of soil, the system provides just the right amount to each plant. After harvest, users simply replace the plants with a new pre-seeded pod (容器) to get the next growth cycle started.
Moreover, having a system in the same building where it’s eaten means zero emissions (排放) from transporting plants from soil to salad. In addition, there’s no need for pesticides and other chemicals that pollute traditional farms and the surrounding environment.
BMF employees live out sustainability in their everyday lives. About half of them walk or bike to work. Inside the office, they encourage recycling and waste reduction by limiting garbage cans and avoiding single-use plastic. “We are passionate about reducing waste, carbon and chemicals in our environment,” said a BMF employee.
8. What can be learned about BMF from paragraph 1?
A. It guarantees the variety of food. B. It requires day-to-day care.
C. It cuts the farm-to-table distance. D. It relies on farmer’s markets.
9. What information does the convenient app offer?
A. Real-time weather changes. B. Current condition of the plants.
C. Chemical pollutants in the soil. D. Availability of pre-seeded pods.
10. What can be concluded about BMF employees?
A. They have a great passion for sports.
B. They are devoted to community service.
C. They are fond of sharing daily experiences.
D
They have a strong environmental awareness.
11. What does the text mainly talk about?
A. BMF’s major strengths. B. BMF’s general management.
C. BMF’s global influence. D. BMF’s technical standards.
【答案】8. C 9. B 10. D 11. A
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了巴比伦微农场（BMF）的一些主要优势，包括减少食物运输距离、通过云技术远程监控、自动化系统节约水资源、减少化学污染、以及员工的环保生活方式等。
【8题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段“While farmer’s markets are a solid choice to reduce the journey, Babylon Micro-Farm (BMF) shortens it even more. (虽然农贸市场是减少旅程的可靠选择，但巴比伦微型农场（BMF）甚至缩短了旅程)”可知，巴比伦微型农场（BMF）进一步缩短了从农场到餐桌的距离。故选C。
【9题详解】
细节理解题。根据第三段“Also, there is a convenient app that provides growing data in real time. (此外，还有一个便捷的应用程序，可以实时提供增长数据)”可知，这个便捷的应用程序提供了植物生长的实时数据。故选B。
【10题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段“BMF employees live out sustainability in their everyday lives. About half of them walk or bike to work. Inside the office, they encourage recycling and waste reduction by limiting garbage cans and avoiding single-use plastic. “We are passionate about reducing waste, carbon and chemicals in our environment,” said a BMF employee. (BMF员工在日常生活中追求可持续发展。大约一半的人步行或骑自行车上班。在办公室里，他们通过限制垃圾桶和避免一次性塑料来鼓励回收和减少浪费。BMF的一名员工表示：“我们热衷于减少环境中的废物、碳和化学品。”)”可知，BMF员工具有强烈的环保意识。故选D。
【11题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“While farmer’s markets are a solid choice to reduce the journey, Babylon Micro-Farm (BMF) shortens it even more. (虽然农贸市场是减少旅程的可靠选择，但巴比伦微型农场（BMF）甚至缩短了旅程)”、第三段“By connecting through the Cloud, BMF is remotely monitored. Also, there is a convenient app that provides growing data in real time. Because the system is automated, it significantly reduces the amount of water needed to grow plants. Rather than watering rows of soil, the system provides just the right amount to each plant. (通过云连接，对BMF进行远程监控。此外，还有一个方便的应用程序可以实时提供不断增长的数据。由于该系统是自动化的，因此*减少了种植植物所需的水量。该系统不是给一排排土壤浇水，而是为每株植物提供合适的水量)”以及最后一段“BMF employees live out sustainability in their everyday lives. About half of them walk or bike to work. Inside the office, they encourage recycling and waste reduction by limiting garbage cans and avoiding single-use plastic. “We are passionate about reducing waste, carbon and chemicals in our environment,” said a BMF employee. (BMF员工在日常生活中追求可持续发展。大约一半的人步行或骑自行车上班。在办公室里，他们通过限制垃圾桶和避免一次性塑料来鼓励回收和减少浪费。BMF的一名员工表示：“我们热衷于减少环境中的废物、碳和化学品。”)”可知，文章主要介绍了巴比伦微农场（BMF）的一些主要优势，包括减少食物运输距离、通过云技术远程监控、自动化系统节约水资源、减少化学污染、以及员工的环保生活方式等。故选A。
3.（2024年新高考II卷D篇阅读理解）Given the astonishing potential of AI to transform our lives, we all need to take action to deal with our AI-powered future, and this is where AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence comes in. This absorbing new book by Catriona Campbell is a practical roadmap addressing the challenges posed by the forthcoming AI revolution (变革).
In the wrong hands, such a book could prove as complicated to process as the computer code (代码) that powers AI but, thankfully, Campbell has more than two decades’ professional experience translating the heady into the understandable. She writes from the practical angle of a business person rather than as an academic, making for a guide which is highly accessible and informative and which, by the close, will make you feel almost as smart as AI.
As we soon come to learn from AI by Design, AI is already super-smart and will become more capable, moving from the current generation of “narrow-AI” to Artificial General Intelligence. From there, Campbell says, will come Artificial Dominant Intelligence. This is why Campbell has set out to raise awareness of AI and its future now-several decades before these developments are expected to take place. She says it is essential that we keep control of artificial intelligence, or risk being sidelined and perhaps even worse.
Campbell’s point is to wake up those responsible for AI-the technology companies and world leaders-so they are on the same page as all the experts currently developing it. She explains we are at a “tipping point” in history and must act now to prevent an extinction-level event for humanity. We need to consider how we want our future with Al to pan out. Such structured thinking, followed by global regulation, will enable us to achieve greatness rather than our downfall.
AI will affect us all, and if you only read one book on the subject, this is it.
12. What does the phrase “In the wrong hands” in paragraph 2 probably mean?
A. If read by someone poorly educated. B. If reviewed by someone ill-intentioned.
C. If written by someone less competent. D. If translated by someone unacademic.
13. What is a feature of AI by Design according to the text?
A. It is packed with complex codes. B. It adopts a down-to-earth writing style.
C. It provides step-by-step instructions. D. It is intended for AI professionals.
14. What does Campbell urge people to do regarding AI development?
A. Observe existing regulations on it.
B. Reconsider expert opinions about it.
C. Make joint efforts to keep it under control.
D. Learn from prior experience to slow it down.
15. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A. To recommend a book on AI. B. To give a brief account of AI history.
C. To clarify the definition of AI. D. To honor an outstanding AI expert.
【答案】12. C 13. B 14. C 15. A
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了Catriona Campbell所著AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence一书。该书作为应对AI革命挑战的实用指南，以商业视角阐述AI发展现状与前景，强调控制AI的重要性，呼吁各界协同确保人工智能安全发展，以防潜在危机。
【12题详解】
词句猜测题。根据文章第二段“such a book could prove as complicated to process as the computer code (代码) that powers AI but, thankfully, Campbell has more than two decades' professional experience translating the heady into the understandable. She writes from the practical angle of a business person rather than as an academic, making for a guide which is highly accessible and informative and which, by the close, will make you feel almost as smart as AI. (这样一本书可能会像驱动人工智能的计算机代码一样复杂，但值得庆幸的是，坎贝尔有20多年的专业经验，可以将令人兴奋的内容转化为可理解的内容。她从商业人士的实际角度而不是学者的角度出发，撰写了一本非常通俗易懂、内容丰富的指南，读完后会让你觉得自己几乎和人工智能一样聪明)”可知，坎贝尔撰写的这本书是通俗易懂的，如果别人写这本书的话可能就不是这样了，推测划线短语表示 “如果是由能力较差的人写的”。故选C项。
【13题详解】
推理判断题。根据文章第二段“thankfully, Campbell has more than two decades’ professional experience translating the heady into the understandable. She writes from the practical angle of a business person rather than as an academic, making for a guide which is highly accessible and informative and which, by the close, will make you feel almost as smart as AI.(值得庆幸的是，坎贝尔有20多年的专业经验，可以将令人兴奋的内容转化为可理解的内容。她从商业人士的实际角度而不是学者的角度出发，撰写了一本非常通俗易懂、内容丰富的指南，读完后会让你觉得自己几乎和人工智能一样聪明)”可知，坎贝尔在书中将令人兴奋的内容转化为可理解的内容，这本书的特点是通俗易懂，推测它采用了接地气的写作风格。故选B项。
【14题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章倒数第二段“She says it is essential that we keep control of artificial intelligence, or risk being sidelined and perhaps even worse. (她说，我们必须保持对人工智能的控制，否则就有被边缘化甚至更糟的风险)”和文章最后一段“We need to consider how we want our future with AI to pan out. Such structured thinking, followed by global regulation, will enable us to achieve greatness rather than our downfall. (我们需要考虑我们希望人工智能的未来如何发展。这种结构化的思维，加上全球监管，将使我们走向伟大，而不是走向衰败)”可知，坎贝尔敦促人们保持对人工智能的控制，考虑人工智能的未来应如何发展，所以关于人工智能的发展，坎贝尔敦促人们共同努力将其控制住。故选C项。
【15题详解】
推理判断题。根据文章第一段“Given the astonishing potential of AI to transform our lives, we all need to take action to deal with our AI-powered future, and this is where AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence comes in. This absorbing new book by Catriona Campbell is a practical roadmap addressing the challenges posed by the forthcoming AI revolution (变革). (考虑到人工智能改变我们生活的惊人潜力，我们都需要采取行动来应对人工智能驱动的未来，这正是AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence的用武之地。卡特里奥娜·坎贝尔撰写的这本引人入胜的新书是一本实用的路线图，旨在应对即将到来的人工智能革命带来的挑战)”和文章最后一段“AI will affect us all, and if you only read one book on the subject, this is it. (人工智能将影响我们所有人，如果你只读一本关于这个主题的书，那就是这本书)”可知，本文主要介绍了Catriona Campbell所著AI by Design: A Plan for Living with Artificial Intelligence一书，该书作为应对AI革命挑战的实用指南，以商业视角阐述AI发展现状与前景，强调控制AI的重要性，呼吁各界协同确保人工智能安全发展，以防潜在危机，所以作者写这篇文章的目的是推荐一本关于人工智能的书。故选A项。
4.（2024年全国甲卷B篇阅读理解） Animals can express their needs using a lot of ways. For instance, almost all animals have distinct vocals (声音) that they rely on to either ask for help, scare away any dangerous animals or look for shelter. But cats are special creatures who possess amazing vocalization skills. They are able to have entire conversations with humans using meows and you're able to interpret it. If a pet cat is hungry, it will keep meowing to attract attention and find food. However, when a cat is looking for affection, they tend to produce stretched and soft meows. Meowing starts as soon as a baby cat is brought to life and uses it to get the mother's attention and be fed.
Cats have many heightened senses, but their sense of smell is quite impressive. They use their noses to assess their environment and look out for any signs of danger. They will sniff out specific areas before they choose a place to relax. However, another way the cats are able to distinguish between situations is by looking for familiar smells. Your cat will likely smell your face and store the smell in its memory and use it to recognize you in the future. That's why most pet cats are able to tell immediately if their owners were around any other cats, which they don't usually like.
Dogs are known for their impressive fetching habit, but cats take this behavior up a notch. Many cats will find random objects outside and bring them to their owners. This is a very old habit that's been present in all kinds of predators (食肉动物). Cats bring gifts for their owners to show they love you. These adorable little hunters are just doing something that it's been in their nature since the beginning of time. So just go along with it!
4. What can be learned about cats' meowing from the first paragraph?
A. It's a survival skill. B. It's taught by mother cats.
C. It's hard to interpret. D. It's getting louder with age.
5. How does a pet cat assess different situations?
A. By listening for sounds. B. By touching familiar objects.
C. By checking on smells. D. By communicating with other cats.
6. Which best explains the phrase "take. . . up notch" in paragraph 3?
A. Perform appropriately. B. Move faster. C. Act strangely. D. Do better.
7. What is a suitable title for the text?
A. Tips on Finding a Smart Cat B. Understanding Your Cat's Behavior
C. Have Fun with Your Cat D. How to Keep Your Cat Healthy
【答案】4. A 5. C 6. D 7. B
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了猫通过叫声、嗅觉和带回礼物来表达需求、评估环境和展示爱意。
【4题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段“Animals can express their needs using a lot of ways. For instance, almost all animals have distinct vocals (声音) that they rely on to either ask for help, scare away any dangerous animals or look for shelter. (动物可以用很多方式来表达他们的需求。例如，几乎所有的动物都有独特的声音，它们依靠这些声音来寻求帮助，吓跑危险的动物或寻找庇护。)”和“Meowing starts as soon as a baby cat is brought to life and uses it to get the mother’s attention and be fed. (猫宝宝一出生就开始喵喵叫，喵喵叫是为了引起妈妈的注意和被喂食。)”可知，猫叫声是一种生存技能。故选A。
【5题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“Cats have many heightened senses, but their sense of smell is quite impressive. They use their noses to assess their environment and look out for any signs of danger. (猫有许多敏锐的感官，但它们的嗅觉令人印象深刻。它们用鼻子来评估周围的环境，寻找任何危险的迹象。)”可知，宠物猫通过检查气味来评估不同情况。故选C。
【6题详解】
词句猜测题。根据第三段划线词前半句“Dogs are known for their impressive fetching habit, (狗以其令人印象深刻的抓取*惯而闻名)”和后句“Many cats will find random objects outside and bring them to their owners. (许多猫会在外面随意找到一些东西，并把它们带给主人。)”可知，狗以取回东西而闻名，但猫可以从外边找到东西带回来，因此在这一行为上更上一层楼。短语take ... up a notch是用来形容猫在带回东西这一行为上做得更好或更出色。故选D。
【7题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“Animals can express their needs using a lot of ways.( 动物可以用很多方式来表达他们的需求。)”及全文可知，文章都在介绍和解释猫的各种行为方式，包括叫声、嗅觉和带回礼物的*惯，以及这些行为背后的原因和意义。所以“Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior(了解你的猫的行为)”作文文章标题最为合适。故选B。
5.（2024年全国甲卷B篇阅读理解） The Saint Lukas train doesn’t accept passengers—it accepts only the sick. The Saint Lukas is one of five government-sponsored medical trains that travel to remote towns in central and eastern Russia. Each stop lasts an average of two days, and during that time the doctors and nurses on board provide rural(乡村)populations with basic medical care, X-ray scans and prescriptions.
“People started queuing to make an appointment early in the morning,” says Emile Ducke, a German photographer who traveled with the staff of the Saint Lukas for a two-week trip in November through the vast regions(区域)of Krasnoyarsk and Khakassia.
Russia’s public health care service has been in serious need of modernization. The government has struggled to come up with measures to address the problem, particularly in the poorer, rural areas east of the Volga River, including arranging doctor’s appointments by video chat and expanding financial aid programs to motivate doctors to practice medicine in remote parts of the country like Krasnoyarsk.
The annual arrival of the Saint Lukas is another attempt to improve the situation. For 10 months every year, the train stops at about eight stations over two weeks, before returning to the regional capital to refuel and restock(补给). Then it starts all over again the next month. Most stations wait about a year between visits.
Doctors see up to 150 patients every day. The train’s equipment allows for basic checkups. “I was very impressed by the doctors and their assistants working and living in such little space but still staying focused and very concerned,” says Ducke. “They were the best chance for many rural people to get the treatment they want. ”
8. How is the Saint Lukas different from other trains?
A. It runs across countries. B. It reserves seats for the seniors.
C. It functions as a hospital. D. It travels along a river.
9. What can we infer from paragraph 3 about Krasnoyarsk?
A. It is heavily populated. B. It offers training for doctors.
C. It is a modern city. D. It needs medical aid.
10. How long can the Saint Lukas work with one supply?
A. About a year. B. About ten months.
C. About two months. D. About two weeks.
11. What is Ducke’s attitude toward the Saint Lukas’ services?
A. Appreciative. B. Doubtful C. Ambiguous. D. Cautious.
【答案】8. C 9. D 10. D 11. A
【解析】
【导语】本文是说明文。文章主要讲述政府赞助了五辆名为圣卢卡斯的医疗列车为俄罗斯中部和东部偏远地区每年提供为期10个月的巡回医疗服务，为乡村居民提供基本医疗检查和治疗，改善当地医疗条件。
【8题详解】
细节理解题，根据文章第一段“The Saint Lukas is one of five government-sponsored medical trains that travel to remote towns in central and eastern Russia. Each stop lasts an average of two days, and during that time the doctors and nurses on board provide rural(乡村)populations with basic medical care, X-ray scans and prescriptions. (圣卢卡斯号是五列政府资助的医疗列车之一，前往俄罗斯中部和东部的偏远城镇。每一站平均停留两天，在此期间，船上的医生和护士为农村人口提供基本医疗服务、X光扫描和处方。)”可知，圣卢卡斯号与其他火车的不同之处在于它是政府资助的医疗火车，充当医院。因此选C。
【9题详解】
推理判断题，第三段提到“Russia’s public health care service has been in serious need of modernization. The government has struggled to come up with measures to address the problem, particularly in the poorer, rural areas east of the Volga River, including arranging doctor's appointments by video chat and expanding financial aid programs to motivate doctors to practice medicine in remote parts of the country like Krasnoyarsk. (俄罗斯的公共卫生保健服务迫切需要现代化。政府一直在努力提出解决这一问题的措施，特别是在伏尔加河以东较贫穷的农村地区，包括通过视频聊天安排医生预约，扩大财政援助计划，激励医生到克拉斯诺亚尔斯克等偏远地区行医。) ”可以推断，Krasnoyarsk需要医疗援助，故选D。
【10题详解】
细节理解题，根据第四段“For 10 months every year, the train stops at about eight stations over two weeks, before returning to the regional capital to refuel and restock (补给). ”(每年有10个月，火车在两周内停靠大约八个车站，然后返回地区首府进行补给和重新装货。) ”可知，圣卢卡斯号一份补给可以工作大约两周，故选D。
【11题详解】
推断判断题。根据最后一段的““I was very impressed by the doctors and their assistants working and living in such little space but still staying focused and very concerned, ” says Ducke. “They were the best chance for many rural people to get the treatment they want. ”(“医生和他们的助手在这么小的空间里工作和生活，但仍然保持专注和非常关注，这给我留下了深刻的印象，”Ducke说。这是许多农村人获得他们想要的治疗的最好机会。”)”可知，Ducke对Saint Lukas的服务持赞赏的态度，故选A。
5.（2024年浙江卷1月C篇阅读理解） On September 7, 1991, the costliest hailstorm (花暴) in Canadian history hit Calgary’s southern suburbs. As a result, since 1996 a group of insurance companies have spent about $2million per year on the Alberta Hail Suppression Project. Airplanes seed threatening storm cells with a chemical to make small ice crystals fall as rain before they can grow into dangerous hailstones. But farmers in east-central Alberta — downwind of the hail project flights — worry that precious moisture (水分) is being stolen from their thirsty land by the cloud seeding.
Norman Stienwand, who farms in that area, has been addressing public meetings on this issue for years “Basically, the provincial government is letting the insurance companies protect the Calgary-Edmonton urban area from hail,” Mr. Stienwan d says, “but they’re increasing drought risk as far east as Saskatchewan.”
The Alberta hail project is managed by Terry Krauss, a cloud physicist who works for Weather Modification Inc. of Fargo, North Dakota. “We affect only a very small percentage of the total moisture in the air, so we cannot be cousing drought.” Dr. Krauss says. “In fact, we may be helping increase the moisture downwind by creating wetter ground.”
One doubter about the safety of cloud seeding is Chuck Doswell, a research scientist who just retired from the University of Oklahoma. “In 1999, I personally saw significant tornadoes (龙卷风) form from a seeded storm cell in Kansas,” Dr. Doswell says. “Does cloud seeding create killer storms or reduce moisture downwind? No one really knows, of course, but the seeding goes on.”
Given the degree of doubt, Mr. Stienwand suggests, “it would be wise to stop cloud seeding.” In practice, doubt has had the opposite effect. Due to the lack of scientific proof concerning their impacts, no one has succeeded in winning a lawsuit against cloud-seeding companies. Hence, private climate engineering can proceed in relative legal safety.
8. What does the project aim to do?
A. Conserve moisture in the soil. B. Prevent the formation of hailstones.
C. Forecast disastrous hailstorms. D. Investigate chemical use in farming.
9. Who are opposed to the project?
A. Farmers in east-central Alberta. B. Managers of insurance companies.
C. Provincial government officials. D. Residents of Calgary and Edmonton
10. Why does Dr. Doswell mention the tornadoes he saw in 1999?
A. To compare different kinds of seeding methods.
B. To illustrate the development of big hailstorms.
C. To indicate a possible danger of cloud seeding.
D. To show the link between storms and moisture.
11. What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A. Scientific studies have proved Stienwand right.
B. Private climate engineering is illegal in Canada.
C. The doubt about cloud seeding has disappeared.
D. Cloud-seeding companies will continue to exist.
【答案】8. B 9. A 10. C 11. D
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了1991年9月7日，加拿大历史上损失最大的冰雹袭击了卡尔加里的南郊。因此，自1996年以来，一组保险公司每年在艾伯塔省冰雹抑制项目上花费约200万美元。飞机在有威胁的风暴中心中播撒一种化学物质，使小冰晶在变成危险的冰雹之前像雨一样落下。但是，在艾伯塔省中东部的农民们担心，“冰雹计划”飞行的下风处，宝贵的水分正被人工降雨从他们干渴的土地上偷走。
【8题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段中“As a result, since 1996 a group of insurance companies have spent about $2million per year on the Alberta Hail Suppression Project. Airplanes seed threatening storm cells with a chemical to make small ice crystals fall as rain before they can grow into dangerous hailstones.(因此，自1996年以来，一组保险公司每年在艾伯塔省冰雹抑制项目上花费约200万美元。飞机在有威胁的风暴中心中播撒一种化学物质，使小冰晶在变成危险的冰雹之前像雨一样落下)”可知，这个项目的目标是防止冰雹的形成。故选B项。
【9题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段中“But farmers in east-central Alberta — downwind of the hail project flights — worry that precious moisture (水分) is being stolen from their thirsty land by the cloud seeding.(但是，在艾伯塔省中东部的农民们担心，“冰雹计划”飞行的下风处，宝贵的水分正被人工降雨从他们干渴的土地上偷走)”可知，艾伯塔省中东部的农民反对这个项目。故选A项。
【10题详解】
推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“One doubter about the safety of cloud seeding is Chuck Doswell, a research scientist who just retired from the University of Oklahoma. “In 1999, I personally saw significant tornadoes (龙卷风) form from a seeded storm cell in Kansas,” Dr. Doswell says. “Does cloud seeding create killer storms or reduce moisture downwind? No one really knows, of course, but the seeding goes on.”(查克·多斯韦尔是一位刚刚从俄克拉何马大学退休的研究科学家，他对人工降雨的安全性持怀疑态度。“1999年，我在堪萨斯州亲眼目睹了由种子风暴细胞形成的重大龙卷风，”多斯韦尔博士说。“人工降雨会制造致命风暴还是减少顺风处的水分？当然，没有人真正知道，但是播种还在继续。”)”可推知，多斯韦尔博士提到他在1999年看到的龙卷风是为了提示人工降雨可能带来的危险。故选C项。
【11题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段“Given the degree of doubt, Mr. Stienwand suggests, “it would be wise to stop cloud seeding.” In practice, doubt has had the opposite effect. Due to the lack of scientific proof concerning their impacts, no one has succeeded in winning a lawsuit against cloud-seeding companies. Hence, private climate engineering can proceed in relative legal safety.(考虑到质疑的程度，斯廷旺德建议，“停止人工降雨是明智的。”在实践中，怀疑产生了相反的效果。由于缺乏有关其影响的科学证据，没有人成功地赢得了对人工降雨公司的诉讼。因此，私人气候工程可以在相对合法的安全条件下进行)”可推知，从最后一段我们能推断出人工降雨公司将继续存在。故选D项。
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