18．You don't exactly have to jump on the next plane in order to see Venice while it's stillaround，but scientists are warning that only a miracle--or more advanced engineering than exists today--can save one of the world's most fabled （神话般的） cities of art and architecture，especially in view of global warming and the possibilities of ocean levels rising 6meters．The most recent reports indicate that Venice is sinking faster than had been predicted．The gloomiest forecast is that the waters of the Adriatic Sea could destroy Venice within this century，especially if global warming causes waters to rise even faster．What a catastrophe that would be．Surely there is no more absurd monument to the foolishness of mankind than Venice，a fantasy city on the sea．
Once you arrive and are amazed by all the architectural wonders and riches of Venice，its
vivid colors of sienna，Roman old，and ruby peach，you may think that reports of tide damage are overblown．But once you experience your first flood and see for yourself how close the sea is to sweeping over Venice，you'll most likely change your mind．
Pollution，uncontrolled tides （潮水），and just plain old age are eating away daily the
treasures of this cherished city of art．As the debate rages about how to save Venice，with no real solution in sight，the waters just keep rising．
Why did those"insane （神志不 清的）"Venetians build on such swampy islands and not on
dry land，of which there was plenty centuries ago？
In an effort to flee the barbarians．（野蛮人），Venetians left dry dock and drifted out to a group of low islands in the lagoon （泻湖）．For a long time，Venice did avoid foreign armies'intent on invading，burning，and plundering．Eventually，Napoleon and his forces arrived；however，they were never to destroy Venice．
Foreign visitors have conquered Venire in ways most invading armies did not．Some 10million people visit Venire every year--and that's only counting the visitors who actually spend the night．Since Venice is known as an expensive city and has only a limited number of accommodations，there are countless day-trippers rushing in every day，all summer long．
54．The passage covers the following aspects about．Venire EXCEPTC
A．geography B．history C．traffic D．culture
55．Which of the following can be the greatest threat to Venice？A
A．Constant global warming．
B．Unbelievable crowds of visitors．
C．Unbearable accommodation prices．
D．Foreign countries'powerful invasion．
56．What can we infer about Venice from this passage？B
A．It will eventually be destroyed by waters of the Adriatic sea．
B．It has been a wealthy andartistic city throughout the history．
C．Foreign visitors have broughtmore damage to it than foreign armies have．
D．The ancient Venetians were foolish enough to build it in such a place．
57．By writing this passage，the author actually means toB
A．advise tourists to remove Venice from their tour lists
B．introduce to tourists some unique informs，tion about Venice
C．warn tourists oftbe possible dangers wben visiting venice
D．appeal to tourists to protect Venice by reducing their visits．
分析 本文讲述由于全球变暖和海平面快速上升，威尼斯现在面临被洪水淹没的危险．
解答 54-57 CABB
54 C 细节题． 通读全文可知本文讲述了威尼斯的地理，历史和文化，没有提到交通，故选C．
55 A 细节题． 根据文章第一 段can save one of the world's most fabled （神话般的） cities of art and architecture，especially in view of global warming and the possibilities of ocean levels rising 6meters． 可知由于全球变暖和海平面快速上升，威尼斯现在面临被洪水淹没的危险．故选A．
56 B 推理判断题． 根据文章第二 段Once you arrive and are amazed by all the architectural wonders and riches of Venice，可知威尼斯历史悠久，并且很富有，故选B．
57 B 主旨大意题． 通读全文可知由于全球变暖和海平面快速上升，威尼斯现在面临被洪水淹没的危险．作者想给游客介绍威尼斯的独特信息．故选B．
点评 学生需要认真阅读原文，把握文章大意，对文章脉络有整体的了解，能仔细查找文中细节，并能根据文章内容进行合理的推测判断．
