Question

The World Health Organization has for the first time expressed “cautious optimism” that the growth in new Ebola cases in West Africa may be slowing down.

Bruce Aylward, who is in charge of the WHO response to Ebola, said in Geneva that he was particularly encouraged by evidence of a downward trend in Liberia, one of the three worst-affected countries.

The WHO’s official total number of Ebola cases has reached 13,703 – a big jump from the10,141 cases it reported four days ago. But Dr Aylward said that was mainly the result of the data being updated with old cases, rather than new cases arising.

“Do we feel confident that the response is now getting an upper hand on the virus? Yes, we are seeing a slowing rate of new cases, very definitely,” Dr Aylward said.

However, Dr Aylward also urged people not to celebrate pre-maturely over any apparent downturn in the epidemic (传染病). “I’m terrified that the information will be misunderstood and people will think Ebola is under control,” he said.

Any reduction in the battle against the virus might lead to “an oscillating(震荡的) pattern where the disease moves up and down”.

The improvement in Liberia seems to be due to a combination of more treatment facilities, better contact tracing and safer burial practices, together leading to fewer new infections from Ebola patients.

In Sierra Leone the number of cases continues to increase in some areas. “We’re still seeing this thing burning quite hot in parts of Sierra Leone,” Dr Aylward said

Tracing the progress of individual patients, the WHO estimates an overall death rate of 70 percent, though people who receive treatment in a well-equipped clinic are slightly less likely to die. The WHO plans to set up 56 Ebola clinics with 4,700 beds in West Africa. Of these 15 clinics with 1,050 beds are already operational and another 22 clinics are expected to open during November.

Meanwhile, two former NATO(北约) secretaries-general and dozens of leading European politicians have urged the alliance(盟国) to send troops, aircraft and ships to west Africa to help contain the Ebola crisis.

1. In the first paragraph, “cautious optimism” probably refers to ______

A. Ebola under control thanks to WHO’s caution

B. the decline of new Ebola cases though not defeated

C. celebrations on the downturn in Ebola in Liberia

D. More treatment and relief supplies to West Africa

2.Why did Dr Aylward urge people not to celebrate prematurely?

A. Because celebrations may increases infections.

B. Because the pattern of the disease is up and down.

C. Because people may be misled to stop the battle.

D. Because we are getting an upper hand on the virus.

3.Which of the following didn’t contribute to the improvement in Liberia?

A. better contact tracing

B. more treatment facilities

C. safer burial practices

D. data updated with old cases

4. According to the text, “burning quite hot” means ______ .

A. very severe B. extremely hot

C. on fire D. well received

Answer 1

1.B

2.C

3.D

4.A

【解析】

试题分析：本文属于新闻报道类阅读理解，报道了埃博拉病毒的控制情况。

1.B 推理题。根据文章1,2段以及第4段we are seeing a slowing rate of new cases, very definitely,”可知现在埃博拉病毒的感染率正在慢慢地下降。这也正是“谨慎的乐观”的含义“虽然埃博拉没有被完全控制，但是现在发病率已经有所下降”。故B正确。

2.C 细节题。根据文章第5段最后一句“I’m terrified that the information will be misunderstood and people will think Ebola is under control,” he said.他很担心人们会被这个信息误导，认为埃博拉已经被控制了。故C正确。

3. 细节题。根据文章倒数第4段The improvement in Liberia seems to be due to a combination of more treatment facilities, better contact tracing and safer burial practices, together leading to fewer new infections from Ebola patients.可知ABC三项都是利比里亚埃博拉病毒控制较好的原因，D项在文章里没有提到。故符合题目要求。

4. 猜测词义题。根据本句In Sierra Leone the number of cases continues to increase in some areas. “We’re still seeing this thing burning quite hot in parts of Sierra Leone,”在利比里亚某些对方埃博拉病毒的病例仍然在增加，说明现在的情况仍然很严重。故该词表示A项含义。

考点：新闻报道类阅读理解