In mid-January, Cape Town officials announced that the world-class South African city of four million residents would run out of water on April 12. The date, nicknamed “Day Zero,” has since been postponed multiple times, thanks to the intense conservation efforts by locals, a sharp reduction in agricultural water usage, and a 10 billion-liter donation from the private reservoirs(水库) of the Groenland Farmers Association.
The city now has enough water to sustain the current level of usage until July 9, giving residents hope that the rainy season, which begins in June, will be more regular than has been the case lately.
Four years ago, Cape Town’s water disaster would have seemed impossible given that the city’s six dam, which can hold 230 billion liters of water, were filled to the brim. However, three years of low rainfall – a third of normal levels – and the ever-increasing population, have reduced the dams to puddles.
In an attempt to avoid Day Zero, the government has imposed a strict 50-liter daily limit for all households. Residents are being urged to reduce their water usage by making small changes like taking shorter showers and reusing bathing water to flush toilets. Those that use more have to pay heavy fines.
When Day Zero strikes, a million homes or about 75 percent of the city will lose access to running water. Residents will instead have to wait in line at the over 200 water distribution centers established around the city to obtain 25 liters a day.
Though conservation measures will help in the short run, only nature can solve the problem. If the city gets enough rainfall during its winter season from June to August, it will provide much-needed relief. However, the local officials are not sure it will happen.
1.What does the underlined word “brim” in the second paragraph probably mean?
A. bottom B. top edge
C. extended part D. central part
2.What effort is being made now to avoid Day Zero?
A. Limiting the daily usage of water to 25 liters.
B. Establishing 200 water distribution centers in the city.
C. Reducing the city population as much as possible
D. Restricting water usage in agriculture significantly
3.What does the last paragraph mainly want to convey?
A. Tomorrow is still unknown. B. Current efforts will pay off.
C. Man is at the mercy of nature. D. It’s time to make joint efforts.
4.What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
A. To inform us of the severe situation of water shortage in Cape Town.
B. To appeal to the world to come together to help people Cape Town.
C. To explain the cause of the severe water shortage in Cape Town.
D. To applaud the efforts by people in Cape Town to address water shortage.
London to Brighton Bike Ride
The start
The bike ride starts at Clapham Common tube station
Ride carefully
We put together as many facilities as possible to help ensure you have a trouble-free day. But we also rely on you to ride safely and with due consideration for other cyclists and road users. Although many roads are closed to oncoming traffic, this is not always the case and you should be aware of the possibility that there could be vehicles coming in the opposite direction.
Please do not attempt reckless overtaking while riding---remember it is NOT a race.
______________
If you have an accident, ask a marshal for help; they are in contact with the support/emergency services. To call for help from our motorcycle marshals, give a ‘thumbs down’ signal. The marshal will do all he/she can to help, providing he/she is not already going to a more serious accident. If a motorcycle marshal slows down to help you, but you have just stopped for a rest and don’t need help, please give a ‘thumbs up’ signal and he/she will carry on. Remember---thumbs down means ‘I need help’.
In case of breakdown
Refer to your route map and make your way to a Mechanics Point. Mechanical assistance is free when you show your Rider Identity Card; you just pay for the parts.
Refreshment stops
Look out for these along the route. Most are organized by voluntary clubs and their prices give you real value for money. They are also raising money for their local communities and the British Heart Foundation, so please give them your support.
Rain or shine---be prepared
In the event of very bad weather, watch out for signs to wet weather stations en route. Good waterproofs, like a cycle cape, are essential. Our first aid staff can only supply bin liners and by the time you get one you may be very wet. However, the English summer is unpredictable---it may also be hot, so don’t forget the sun protection cream as well!
If you have to drop out
We will try to pick up your bike for you on the day. Call Bike Events(01225310859) no more than two weeks after the ride to arrange collection. Sorry, we cannot guarantee this service nor can we accept liability for any loss or damage to your bike. Bike Events will hold your bike for three months, after which it may be disposed of. You will be charged for all costs incurred in returning your cycle.
1.Which of the following subtitles might be suitable for the blank?
A. Emergency service B. Attracting assistance
C. Marshal’s job D. Contacting the marshal
2.Which of the following is WRONG about the Bike Ride?
A. The weather at the time of the Bike Ride is quite changeable
B. The drinks or waters along the way may be cheaper than usual
C. You don’t need to pay to replace a broken part of the bike
D. If you give up halfway and abandon your bike, it may be lost.
One morning, I walked down the path to my car and right into a huge spider web that had appeared overnight.
I felt _______for not having seen it or having _________ myself of the web tendrils （须状物）, and went
______my way. During the meeting with our client, I saw a look of pure _______ crossed his face. After I went to the _________, I figured it out.
The next morning, the ______ same scene occurred, and I felt even more foolish. _______a moment, I thought I should not _______ myself.
On the third day, I was ______to look for the web – the spider had rewoven it,_______this time off the path in the bushes.
How surprising it was to _______that the spider and I had learned the exact same _______ in the same amount of time.
It is _______ for certain things in life to happen to you. There will be heartbreak, _______, and days where you feel like you aren’t special or purposeful. You cannot let these _______ you. If you don’t _______ yourself to move past what happened and what was felt, you will _______ your future with that pair of glasses, and nothing will be able to change that _______.
As a saying _______, “The only mistake in life is the lesson not _______.” (Albert Einstein)
1.A. angry B. frustrated C. impatient D. foolish
2.A. removed B. rid C. reminded D. accused
3.A. in B. on C. by D. down
4.A. surprise B. excitement C. curiosity D. embarrassment
5.A. meeting room B. waiting room C. bathroom D. sitting room
6.A. funny B. single C. very D. strange
7.A. Within B. Before C. After D. For
8.A. forgive B. blame C. annoy D. comfort
9.A. worried B. due C. anxious D. careful
10.A. but B. and C. otherwise D. still
11.A. prove B. confirm C. admit D. realize
12.A. thought B. approach C. lesson D. trick
13.A. unhappy B. common C. regular D. heart-breaking
14.A. confusion B. conquer C. consensus D. calculation
15.A. disappoint B. weaken C. trap D. break
16.A. promise B. allow C. deny D. require
17.A. look at B. reflect on C. prepare for D. think about
18.A. saying B. occurrence C. future D. judgment
19.A. has B. goes C. spreads D. says
20.A. given B. taught C. learned D. addressed
In her talk, Lee focused on joy and _______ we can all find – and create – more of it in life.
A. what B. where
C. when D. how
Just make sure you are _______ your inner voice while making these decisions.
A. in tune with B. in parallel with
C. in connection with D. in comparison with
Never for a second in our life _______ the importance of keeping our family company.
A. had we forgotten B. we have forgotten
C. we should forget D. should we forget
