Scientists are debating how to limit their newly-discovered power to change genetic structure (结构). Scientists already modify the genes (基因) of farm animals and agricultural plants to make them more productive or stronger. But now they can also change genes in wild animals and plants. These genes would continue into later generations. For example, it may be possible for scientists to remove from existence the kind of mosquitoes, small flying insects, that carry the Zika virus. They might also be able to permanently remove species (物种) of plants and animals that are damaging to other species.
In a report published last week, the U. S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NAS) said it supports continued research on this kind of gene control. But it warned that it is not possible to know what will happen when these changed plants and animals are released (释放) into the wild.
Sixteen biologists, ethicists (伦理学家) and policymakers are on an NAS committee that is examining the issue. They say that there is value to the new technology. But, they say, there is not enough evidence to support the release of modified organisms (生物体) from the laboratory into nature.
Many people would support stopping mosquitoes and rats from carrying diseases. But scientists say we must understand the possible scientific, ethical, legal and social results of such action before we decide whether to take it. Gene modification is spread through reproduction (繁殖).
Changed genes will continue to spread as long as an animal or plant continues to reproduce. They cannot be limited to a farm or kept within a country's borders. Scientists are wondering what may happen if a modified organism mates with another species. They are not yet sure how the modified genes would affect the other species. It is possible that those genes could harm those creatures or even lead to their disappearance from our planet.
【小题１】What possible advantage does gene control in wild animals and plants have?
A. Changing the Zika virus permanently.
B. Getting rid of damaging species forever.
C. Having the changed genes in their next generations.
D. Making all the species more productive and stronger.
【小题２】As for genetically changed wild animals and plants, what are scientists worried about?
A. They may become weaker or die out.
B. They may be more productive than before.
C. They may cause damage to their living habitat.
D. Their genes may spread to later generations.
【小题３】Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. Scientists are certain what exact results gene modification leads to.
B. Gene modification can benefit some farm animals and agricultural plants.
C. Scientists won't modify any genes before they make the final decision.
D. Gene modification will be encouraged in more creatures in the near future.
【小题４】The article is mainly intended to ________.
A. appeal against research on gene control
B. show how to change genetic structure
C. inform us of power and danger of gene control
D. give the reason why gene modification is necessary
A good joke can be the hardest thing to understand when studying a foreign language. As a recent article in The Guardian newspaper noted, “There’s more to understanding a joke in a foreign language than understanding vocabulary and grammar.”
Being able to understand local jokes is often seen as an unbelievable ice-breaker for a language learner eager to form friendships with native speakers. “I always felt that humor was a ceiling that I could never break through,” Hannah Ashley, a public relations account manager in London, who once studied Spanish in Madrid, told The Guardian, “I could never speak to people on the same level as I would speak to a native English speaker. I almost came across as quite a boring person because all I could talk about was facts.”
In fact, most of the time, jokes are only funny for people who share a cultural background or understand humor in the same way. Chinese-American comedian Joe Wong found this out first-hand. He had achieved huge success in the US, but when he returned to China in 2008 for his first live show in Beijing, he discovered that people didn’t think his. Chinese jokes were as funny as his English ones.
In Australia, meanwhile many foreigners find understanding jokes about sports to be the biggest headache. “The hardest jokes are related to rugby because I know nothing about rugby,” said Melody Cao, who was once a student in Australia. “When I heard jokes I didn’t get, I just laughed along.”
In the other two major English-speaking countries, the sense of humor is also different. British comedian Simon Pegg believes that while British people use irony (反话)—basically, saying something they don’t mean to make a joke—every day, people in the US don’t see the point of using it so often. “British jokes tend to be more subtle and dark, while American jokes are more obvious with their meanings, a bit like Americans themselves,” he wrote in The Guardian.
【题文１】It is implied in the noted sentence in Paragraph 1 that ________.
A. making jokes is a possible way for one to learn better a foreign language
B. humor is always conveyed to foreigners through vocabulary and grammar
C. vocabulary and grammar help you understand jokes in a foreign language
D. there tends to be something behind the words of a joke in a foreign language
【题文２】What can we guess about Hannah Ashley?
A. She thinks that Spanish people generally do not have much of a sense of humor.
B. She believes that one had better rely on facts when speaking a foreign language.
C. She found that humor was a barrier to her getting along well with Spanish people.
D. She had a better command of the Spanish language than of the English language.
【小题３】Joe Wong is used as an example to ________.
A. suggest that there are cultural differences in humor
B. show that it’s hard to put jokes into another language
C. prove that local people have different taste in humor
D. show that expressing ability affects the sense of humor
【小题４】From the article we can learn that ________.
A. jokes about sports are difficult for foreigners to understand
B. Americans are generally more humorous than British people
C. not all English native speakers can understand English jokes easily
D. British people’s dark jokes often make people uncomfortable
A wonderful Cornish self catering holiday cottage Cider Cottage is the perfect place to escape and unwind.
It is ideally located to explore and enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer.
Cider Cottage sleeps five in a lovely countryside setting, with all home comforts. Recently fully renovated to a high standard, the Cottage was awarded a 4 Star rating by Visit England.
It is a detached property full of character, with exposed feature stone walls and ceiling beams.
In the past the building was used to store and crush apples to produce local Cornish cider.
One step inside the door and you will know you have found somewhere special to spend your holiday.
Cider Cottage has three comfortable bedrooms, of which the Master bedroom has a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom.
A spacious fully equipped Kitchen and Dining room fitted with a ceramic hob and oven, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer. We also supply all those kitchen essentials that you won’t want to pack.
Down a flight of steps is the large cosy Lounge, with exposed feature stone walling and beams that date back hundreds of years.
Set between the south Cornwall coast and enigmatic Bodmin Moor, in lovely countryside, Cider Cottage is just 1 mile from the historic town of Liskeard and a short drive from the lovely fishing village of Looe with its wonderful sandy beach.
The cottage is ideal for families and couples alike, whether you just want to relax or enjoy the wide variety of activities and attractions or nearby outdoor pursuits such as cycling and horseriding.
The ancient market town of Liskeard has a choice of cafes, restaurants, takeaways, pubs & supermarkets. A main line Railway Station also serves the town, giving the opportunity for car free days out.
【小题１】How can Cider Cottage be described as?
A. Unique, attractive and well-designed.
B. Suitable, mysterious and well-located.
C. Relaxing, convenient and well-furnished.
D. Practical, comfortable and well-managed.
【小题２】According to the information given, Cider Cottage is ________.
A. in the center of town
B. far away from the seaside
C. for sale at the moment
D. suitable for a family of five
请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Ever since I moved to Beijing in August, people have been telling me about the Fragrant Hills—________ the autumn views they offer.
So last Sunday I ________ two poor, simple laowai. We looked forward with childish ________ to golden leaves and the pleasant ________ of the pines in the crisp October air. After an hour-long subway and taxi ride, we found ourselves on a vast ring road interchange, boiling with traffic and people coming from all ________. It seemed that all China had decided to ________ to the Fragrant Hills that day.
The words “Fragrant Hills” paint a picture of natural ________ and harmony—not rows of shops and ________ vendors (小贩) screaming at you to buy their goods.
After half an hour of ________ through the sea of bodies, we made it into the park. All pretences (假装) of polite “Britishness” were washed away as we ________ moved people aside with two hands—the only way of making progress. A couple of times, we attempted a bit of walking ________ the path, only to be stung (刺) by poison ivy. We sadly returned to the ________. Then suddenly, just past a temple, we caught sight of a dirt track. The people ________. We were the only ones there. There were ________ golden leaves and peaceful pine forests. After that we, extremely ________, collapsed (倒) onto rocks and brought out our lunchboxes.
________ the time came when we had to grit (咬紧) our teeth and throw ourselves ________ again. It took another half hour of fruitless ________ before we could collapse into a taxi. At about 7 pm, I finally arrived at my ________ station, home sweet home, exhausted and aching. I had found my Fragrant Hills, my oasis (愉快之处) of ________, my harmony—in Chaoyang district.
1.A. particularlyB. obviouslyC. mysteriouslyD. absolutely
2.A. cheered upB. brought upC. gathered upD. woke up
3.A. travelB. excitementC. interestD. expectation
4.A. feelingB. smellC. outlinesD. branches
5.A. schoolsB. townsC. countriesD. directions
6.A. comeB. adaptC. contributeD. stick
7.A. phenomenaB. forcesC. stateD. beauty
8.A. noisyB. greedyC. ordinaryD. kind
9.A. wanderingB. joggingC. swimmingD. struggling
10.A. angrilyB. arbitrarily
C. physicallyD. unconsciously
11.A. throughB. offC. acrossD. on
12.A. roadB. crowdC. entranceD. park
13.A. waitedB. regrettedC. complainedD. disappeared
14.A. unexpectedB. unknownC. ourD. their
15.A. tiredB. amazedC. excitedD. bored
16.A. AndB. ForC. SoD. But
17.A. uphillB. awayC. insideD. together
18.A. standingB. yellingC. wavingD. praying
19.A. televisionB. gasC. subwayD. irrigation
20.A. calmB. decorationC. ambitionD. agency
Our plan is nothing but a concept by now, so ________.
A. great minds think alike
B. make hay while the sun shines
C. the early bird catches the worm
D. don't count your chickens until they are hatched
Nobody can be successful in everything in life. In other words, you might fail ________ others succeed or the other way around.
A. whereB. sinceC. althoughD. unless
