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 civilisation 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 spinoffs including improvements in earthquake prediction,in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications sys-tems. Even nonstick 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 beings 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.

66. Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph 1 ?

   A. To express his doubts.

   B. To compare different ideas.

   C. To introduce points for discussion.

   D. To describe the conditions on earth.

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

   A. Humans are nature-bom 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.

68. The underlined word  spinoffsM in Paragraph 4 probably refers to .

   A. survival chances   B. potential resources

   C. unexpected benefits   D. physical possessions

69. 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.

70. Which of the statements can best sum up the passage?

   A. Space exploration has created many wonders.

   B. Space exploration provides the best value for money.

   C. Space exploration can benefit science and technology.

   D. Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on the earth.

Answer 1

66. C 67. A 68. C 69. C 70. D

66. C解析：推理判断题。对作者写作目的 和意图的推断”作者提出这些问题是为了 引出下文要讨论的观点，故选 C.

67. A解析:细节理解题。由第二段第一句话 44 Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup as human beings. ” 和此段最后一句 “Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible. ”可知选 A.

68. C 解析：词义猜测题。由第四段中的 44 We have already benefited from other spinoffs including improvements in earthquake prediction,in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems.,可知，此处spinoffs意为“意想不到的好处”,、 survival chances 生存衫L 会；potential resources 潜在的 资源； unexpected benefits 意 想不到的好处i physical possessions物质财 产，故选C.

69. C解析：细节理解题。由倒数第二段最 后一句 “ Without the ability to reach out across space,the chance to save ourselves might not exist."和最后一段中的 “ the adaptive ability of humans” 以及“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. ” 可以得出人 类的适应能力使得人类居住在其他星球成 为可能。

70. D解析：主旨大意题由全文内容可知， 文章主要讲述太空探索可能帮助人类避免 地球上潜在的一些问题。