Question

Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.

Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup (基因构成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.

Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.

Exploration also allows minerals and other potential (潜在的) resources to be found. Even if we have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副产品) of technological developments in the space industry!

While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers．The danger exists, but knowledge can help human being to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.

While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in the future.

1.Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph1?

A. To express his doubts.

B. To compare different ideas.

C. To introduce points for discussion.

D. To describe the conditions on Earth.

2. What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph2?

A. Humans are nature-born to do so.

B. Humans have the tendency to fight.

C. Humans may find new sources of food.

D. Humans don’t like to stay in the same place.

3. What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets?

A. Our genetic makeup.

B. Resources on the earth.

C. The adaptive ability of humans.

D. By-products in space exploration.

Answer 1

1.C

2.A

3.C

【解析】

试题分析：本文讲述了人类为什么去探索太空。尽力扩张可能的生存领域；拓展和探索为也为发现矿物质和其他(潜在的)资源提供了可能；太空探索会帮助我们定居到其他行星。

1.C。推理判断题。第一段通过提出一系列关于太空探索利弊的问题引发讨论。并不是真的有这些怀疑，也没有鲜明的正反观点，所以AB不对。D偏差较远。故选C

2.A。主旨归纳题。根据第二段主旨句在段首段尾Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup as human beings. 主要原因在于人类基因。Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.。故选A

3.C。细节题。根据最后一段的首句While earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets可知，人类的适应能力使我们在其他星球的居住成为可能。故选C

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