Skeptics are a strange lot. Some of them refuse to admit the serious threat of human activities to the environment, and they are tired of people who disagree with them. Those people, say skeptics, spread nothing but bad news about the environment. The “eco-guilt” brought on by the discouraging news about our planet gives rise to the popularity of skeptics as people search for more comforting worldviews.

Perhaps that explain why a new book by Bjorn Lomborg received so much publicity. That book, The Skeptical Environmentalist, declares that it measures the “real state of the world” as fine. Of course, another explanation is the deep pockets some big businesses with special interests. Indeed, Mr. Lomborg’s views are similar to those of some Industry-funded organizations, which start huge activities though the media to confuse the public about issues like global warming.

So it was strange to see Mr. Lomborg’s book go largely unchallenged in the media though his beliefs were contrary to most scientific opinions. One national newspaper in Canada ran a number of articles and reviews full of words of praise, even with the conclusion that “After Lomborg, the environmental movement will begin to die down.”

Such one-sided views should have immediately been challenged. But only a different review appeared in Nature, a respected science magazine with specific readership. The review remarked that Mr. Lomborg’s “preference for unexamined materials is incredible (不可信的)”。

A critical (批判的) eye is valuable, and the media should present information in such a way that could allow people to make informed decisions. Unfortunately, that is often inaccessible as blocked by the desire to be shocking or to defend some special interests. People might become half-blind before a world partially exhibited by the media. That’s a shame, because matters concerning the health of the planet are far too important to be treated lightly.

1. According to the passage, which of the following may be regarded as “skeptics”?

A. People who agree on the popularity of “eco-guilt”.

B. People who disbelieve the serious situation of our planet.

C. People who dislike the harmful effect of human activities.

D. People who spread comforting news to protect our environment.

2.Which of the following can be a reason for the popularity of Lomborg’s books?

A. Some big businesses intend to protect their own interests.

B. The book challenges views about the fine state of the world.

C. The author convinces people to seek comforting worldviews.

D. Industry–funded media present confusing information.

3.The author mentioned the review in Nature in order to_____.

A. voice a different opinion

B. find fault with Lomborg’s book 

C. challenge the authority of the media

D. point out the value of scientific views.

4.What is the author’s main purpose in writing the passage?

A. To encourage the skeptics to have a critical eye.

B. To warn the public of the danger of half–blindness with reviews.

C. To blame the media’s lack of responsibility in presenting information.

D. To show the importance of presenting overall information by the media.

Skeptics are a strange lot. Some of them refuse to admit the serious threat of human activities to the environment, and they are tired of people who disagree with them. Those people, say skeptics, spread nothing but bad news about the environment. The “eco-guilt” brought on by the discouraging news about our planet gives rise to the popularity of skeptics as people search for more comforting worldviews.
Perhaps that explain why a new book by Bjorn Lomborg received so much publicity. That book, The Skeptical Environmentalist, declares that it measures the “real state of the world” as fine. Of course, another explanation is the deep pockets some big businesses with special interests. Indeed, Mr. Lomborg’s views are similar to those of some Industry-funded organizations, which start huge activities though the media to confuse the public about issues like global warming.
So it was strange to see Mr. Lomborg’s book go largely unchallenged in the media though his beliefs were contrary to most scientific opinions. One national newspaper in Canada ran a number of articles and reviews full of words of praise, even with the conclusion that “After Lomborg, the environmental movement will begin to die down.”
Such one-sided views should have immediately been challenged. But only a different review appeared in Nature, a respected science magazine with specific readership. The review remarked that Mr. Lomborg’s “preference for unexamined materials is incredible (不可信的)”。
A critical (批判的) eye is valuable, and the media should present information in such a way that could allow people to make informed decisions. Unfortunately, that is often inaccessible as blocked by the desire to be shocking or to defend some special interests. People might become half-blind before a world partially exhibited by the media. That’s a shame, because matters concerning the health of the planet are far too important to be treated lightly.
【小题1】 According to the passage, which of the following may be regarded as “skeptics”?

My dream is to become an orthodontist, fly to new heights, and impact the world. Ever since the day I got braces(牙箍), I have thought about how __21__ it would be for me to become an orthodontist and make other __22__ like me have more beautiful smiles. The thought of helping other people overcome the fear of their __23__ or self-esteem became so real to me the day that I got my __24__ off two years later. After a long thought, I finally came to a(n) __25__ that I  wanted to do my senior exit project on orthodontics. I am in the __26__ of doing my project now and I cannot wait to see the wonderful __27__ that I’m going to achieve. In the long run, I know it will be a great __28__ to me down the road, opening doors to my __29__ path. Another goal in my life is to fly to new __30__ and go where no one else has __31__ to go before. I am a big leader at my school and I try to do new things that are __32__ in order to make things successful. I try to reach to the highest in order to make every event and idea __33__ “with a bang!” I also want to do things to __34__ the world somewhere down the road. After seeing friends go into __35__, I have thought about being a __36__ missionary(传教士) in a third world country for a couple of summers after I __37__ from the high school. I think it would be __38__ to impact the lives of powerless and torn people who need __39__ that seems unimaginable to them. I think __40__ more people reached out and conquered their dreams to help other people achieve theirs，this world would be a whole lot better of a place.

21. A. tiresome            B. occasional                C. cool                              D. fortunate

22. A. teens                 B. adults                     C. doctors                   D. patients

23. A. image                B. operation                 C. figure                     D. mouth

24. A. caps                  B. tools                       C. books                     D. braces

25. A. stop                  B. decision                  C. conclusion              D. end

26. A. end                   B. process                   C. beginning                D. trouble

27. A. scene                       B. occupation              C. start                              D. goals

28. A. advantage          B. honour                    C. chance                   D. pity

29. A. graduation                B. business                  C. career                     D. life

30. A. locations            B. heights                    C. interests                 D. events

31. A. hoped                B. expected                 C. needed                    D. dared

32. A. cared for           B. unheard of              C. put forward            D. thought of

33. A. turn out             B. move off                 C. go out                    D. die out

34. A. change              B. develop                   C. impact                    D. destroy

35. A. missions            B. difficulties               C. traps                      D. films

36. A. long­term          B. professional             C. short­term              D. part­time

37. A. attend                B. graduate                  C. dislike                     D. abandon

38. A. tiresome            B. harmful                   C. astonishing              D. remarkable

39. A. assistance          B. faith                              C. money                    D. laws

40. A. since                 B. unless                     C. although                  D. if