A new kind of rice, golden rice, may soon make its way into the world’s food supply by the year 2021, reports Science magazine.
Golden rice was actually first developed back in the 1990s by German scientists who were looking for creative ways to reduce rates of Vitamin A deficiency(维生素A缺乏症) in human body, which continues to be a major concern throughout the developing world. Beta-carotene(胡萝卜素), which exists in some plants, can change into vitamin A in our body.
In view of beta-carotene’s characteristics, German scientists tried and managed to make rice filled with additional beta-carotene, which has a strong red orange color. The beta-carotene that is added to this rice is actually what conduces to its special golden color.
To German scientists, developing this rice was meaningful. But as with all GM(转基因的) crops, some people warn that the golden rice may be unnecessary and even harmful, possibly having some environment consequences. Until now, those voices have prevented golden rice from being planted anywhere.
However, that’s about to change. Bangladesh now plans to become the first country to approve golden rice for planting. Recently, golden rice is receiving a series of tests before the final approval of Bangladesh. Tests conducted by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) found no new farming challenges with golden rice and no big differences in quality between the crop and the traditional varieties, with the exception that golden rice is more nutritious. Some other organizations are still doing tests about the environmental influences of the crop. If those results are also good, then golden rice will have received all the approval it needs to move forward with planting.
As for the future market for the golden rice, the crop will need to gain the public’s trust. And it remains to be seen whether golden rice will offer a better nutritional and economical choice compared to other sources of vitamin A, such as other vegetables where it occurs naturally.
1.What was German scientists’ main purpose of working on rice?
A.To raise its output. B.To make it look prettier.
C.To collect its beta-carotene. D.To improve its vitamin A content in our body.
2.What does the underlined part “conduces to” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.Causes. B.Changes. C.Removes. D.Lightens.
3.What do BRRI’s tests show about golden rice?
A.It can hardly grow on the farmland of Bangladesh. B.It is nutritionally better than traditional rice.
C.It may do serious harm to the environment. D.It is no different from other rice in taste.
4.How is golden rice’s future market in the author’s opinion?
A.Promising. B.Worrying. C.Uncertain. D.Hopeless.
The other day, my wife and I were in Kent County when we saw smoke on the horizon. We went about our business for a little while, and then curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to go over and check out the fire. It turned out there was a brush fire that got out of control and grew from 25 acres to 100 acres.
What struck me most about that day was the word “volunteer” written on almost every piece of emergency equipment that I could see. No one was getting paid to fight the fire that day. They were there because they chose to be, not because they had to be.
How many of us would wake up early one fine Sunday morning, get dressed in hot, bulky(笨重的) clothing and risk our lives for no money and little reward? These folks do that all the time. I live in a densely populated(人口稠密的) area, and our local fire department is volunteer. Most of the time when we see these individuals, they are either on the way to or back from an emergency. We also occasionally see them collecting money on the side of the road. With either boots or helmets in hand, they ask for donations to keep them in the latest life-saving equipment. I think very few people give them the amount that’s equal to, say, a basic cable(缆绳) bill.
As a small business owner, I really can’t give these people enough money. And I don’t think our communities do enough to honor these people who risk their lives and volunteer. If you ever lose your faith in people, follow one of these trucks to a disaster and watch who jumps off and what they do. I believe you’ll be amazed by what total strangers are willing to do to protect you.
1.When the author was in Kent County the other day, he __________.
A.lost his business B.had a quarrel with his wife
C.witnessed a big fire D.acted as a volunteer firefighter
2.What does the question in Paragraph 3 mainly show?
A.Volunteer firefighters are really selfless.
B.Most of brush fires break out on Sundays.
C.Volunteers firefighters often get up earlier than others.
D.More and more people are ready to be volunteer firefighters.
3.How does the author feel about people’s donations to volunteer firefighters?
A.Disappointed. B.Confident. C.Curious. D.Excited.
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A.Do what we can to prevent fires B.Don’t put yourself at risk of a fire
C.Keep a warm heart in volunteer work D.Don’t take volunteer firefighters for granted
San Antonio Aquarium
As home to a variety of underwater creatures, the San Antonio Aquarium is a favorite attraction for visitors and locals alike. No matter which of the water creatures are your favorite, all ages will find excitement at all the interactive(互动的) displays, exhibits, and daily shows.
Stingray Touch Tank
Dip your hands into the cool water and watch in amazement as stingrays(黄貂鱼) brush up against your fingers and even let you touch them. The touch tank is perfect for the young who have an appreciation for the stingrays.
Rainforest and Desert Experiences
This wonderful habitat is bursting with a variety of reptiles and amphibians(两栖动物), including lizards and frogs. The wet rainforest and extremely dry desert experiences provide chances to see the home lives of these amazing creatures from different areas of the globe.
Giant Pacific Octopus
The aquarium is home to the Giant Pacific Octopus, the largest species of octopus(章鱼) in the world! Watch this gentle giant float around with elegance in different colors. It’s a one-of-a-kind highlight of the aquarium visit you won’t want to miss.
Daily Shows
Throughout the day, various wonderful shows run within the aquarium park for free. These shows highlight the habits and behavior of the reptiles, amphibians and even the Giant Pacific Octopus.
Pony Rides, Roller Coasters & Merry-Go-Round
After visiting the aquatic wonders of the world, on the aquarium ground, you will find that for an extra cost, you can treat the kids to pony rides, roller-coaster rides and merry-go-round rides.
1.Which of the following creatures in San Antonio Aquarium can be touched by hands?
A.Frogs B.Lizards C.Stingrays. D.Octopuses.
2.What are the attractions of the Giant Pacific Octopus?
A.Its fast floating and feeding.
B.Its huge size and changing colors.
C.Its cute look and wonderful performances.
D.Its elegant swimming postures and interaction with visitors.
3.What activity is additionally charged in San Antonio Aquarium?
A.Watching daily shows. B.Going for a roller-coaster ride.
C.Seeing the home lives of lizards. D.Appreciating the largest species of octopus.
假定你是高一学生李华，你校广播站正在招聘英语播音员。请根据以下个人情况给广播站负责人David用英语写一封申请信。
内容要点：
(1)个人简介
(2)自身能力
(3)其他相关情况如联系方式： Lihua2018@163.com
注意事项：
(1)词数100左右；
(2)可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
(3)开头与结尾已经给出，不计入总词数。
参考词汇：广播站：radio station 播音员：broadcaster
Dear David,
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处.每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加:在缺词处加一个漏字符号(
) 并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除:把多余的词用斜线(\)划掉。
修改:在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意:.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；
Dear Tom,
How are you getting on? I don’t think this a good idea to travel a lot and visit as many places possible. Last July Bell pay a visit to Europe. Europe is very beautiful, but his holiday wasn’t very nicely. He visited several country, and was in each of the countries for only three days. He visited a great many of places of interest, and was always in a hurry. When he returned from Europe, he was very tiring. So I suggest you spent your holiday in a different way. You’d better travelled with a friend to one country and visit only one city, that will do good to your body and mind.
张老师总是鼓励我学习英语。(encourage)
Miss Zhang always ________________________________ English.
