Question

    A scientist once said: “I have concluded that the earth is being visited by intelligently controlled vehicles from outer space.”

If we take this as a reasonable explanation for UFOs (unidentified flying objects), questions immediately come up.

“Why don’t they get in touch with us, then? Why don’t they land right on the White House lawn and declare themselves?” people asked.

In reply, scientists say that, while this may be what we want, it may not necessarily be what they want.

“The most likely explanation, it seems to me,” said Dr. Mead, “is that they are simply watching what we are up to—that responsible society outside our solar system is keeping an eye on us to see that we don’t cause a chain reaction that might have unexpected effects for the outside of our solar system.”

Opinions from other scientists might go like this: “Why should they want to get in touch with us? We may feel we’re more important than we really are! They may want to observe us only and not interfere(干涉) with the development of our civilization. They may not care if we see them but they also may not care to say ‘hello’.”

Some scientists have also suggested that Earth is a kind of zoo or wildlife reserve. Just as we set aside wilderness areas and wildlife reserves to allow animals and growing things to develop naturally while we observe them, so perhaps Earth was set aside ages ago for the same purpose.

Are we being observed by intelligent beings from other civilizations in the universe? Are they watching our progress in space travel? Do we live in a huge “zoo” observed by our “keepers,” but having no communication with them?

Never before in our history have we had to face ideas bravely like these. The simple fact is that we, who have always regarded ourselves as supreme in the universe, may not be so. Now we have to recognize that, among the stars in the heavens, there may very well be worlds lived by beings who are to us as we are to ants.

1.People who ask the question “Why don’t they get in touch with us then ?” think that ________.

A. there are no such things as UFOs

B. UFOs are visitors from solar system

C. there’s no reason for UFOs to contact us

D. we are bound to see UFOs sooner or later

2.According to Dr. Mead, the beings from outer space ________.

A. hope to keep in touch with us

B. want to keep watch on us

C. try to protect us from dangers

D. get ready to help others

3.What’s the writer’s attitude towards the existence of other intelligent beings in space?

A. Doubtful B. Neutral C. Negative D. Positive

4.The passage is mostly taken from a(n) ________.

A. commercial advertisement B. science fiction novel

C. newspaper column D. travel leaflet

Answer

1.A

2.B

3.D

4.C

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。作者通过这篇文章主要向我们描述了科学家认为来自外层空间的智能控制的飞行器正在访问地球。

1.细节理解题。根据第二段If we take this as a reasonable explanation for UFOs （unidentified flying objects）， questions immediately come up．可知那些问"为什么他们不联系我们…并声明自己"的人认为没有UFO这样的东西；所以A选项是正确的。

2.细节理解题。根据文章第五段中is that they are simply watching what we are up to -- that responsible society outside our solar system is keeping an eye on us to see that we don't set in motion a chain reaction that might have unexpected effects for outside our solar system可知根据Mead博士的说法，来自外太空的生物想要监视我们；故选B。

3.细节理解题。根据文章最后一段最后一句Now we have to recognize that， among the stars in the heavens， there may very well be worlds inhabited by beings who are to us as we are to ants可知作者对太空中其他智能生物的存在持相信态度；故选D。

4.细节理解题。根据文章第一段A scientist once said："I have concluded that the earth is being visited by intelligently controlled vehicles from outer space可知文章最有可能来自报纸专栏；所以C选项是正确的。