Question

Before a new type of airplane goes into service, every part of it is tested again and again. But there are two tests that are more important than all the others.

The first is called the “tank test”. A modern airplane must fly very high in the sky. Air must be pumped into the plane so that the passengers can breathe. The metal structure (结构) of the plane has to be very strong for this reason. When the plane is filled with air, the air presses against the skin of the plane inside. The pressure  (压力)  on a small window is like a huge foot that is trying to get out. If a small part of the plane were to fail, the plane would explode in the sky. To test the structure of the plane, the plane is lowered into a huge tank or container of water.  Then it is filled with air. The pressure inside the plane is greater than it ever will be when it is high up in the air. Finally, there is an explosion. This does not cause so much damage inside the water tank as it would anywhere else. Engineers can discover which part of the plane has broken. Then that part is made stronger,

The most dangerous test happens when the new plane is going through test flights in the air. The test pilot must find out exactly what happens when the engines (发动机) are all shut off at once. The plane begins to fall like a stone. It is the pilot’s job to find out how he can get control of the plane again.  These two tests are examples of how planes are made safe before they ever carry passengers.

1.By doing the “tank test”, the engineers can find out ________.

A.the power of the airplane engines B.the amount of air in the plane

C.the strength of the plane structure D.the pressure inside and outside the plane

2.What will happen to the plane under the “tank test”?

A.It will be tested by pilots. B.It will be broken.

C.It will be made stronger. D.It will be filled with water.

3.According to the text. why are test flights most dangerous?

A.Too much air may get into the plane. B.The plane may explode in the air.

C.The pilot may lose control of the plane. D.The engines may be damaged.

4.What might be the most suitable title for the text?

A.How Airplanes Are Made and Tested B.Two Important Tests on Airplanes

C.The Importance of Flying Safely D.The Danger of Testing Airplanes

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.C

4.B

【解析】

本文是一篇说明文。新的飞机在投入使用之前，要经历一系列的测试，其中有两项测试特别重要，文章分别对这两项测试进行了详细的说明。

1.细节理解题。根据文章第二段“Engineers can discover which part of the plane has broken. Then that part is made stronger,”可知通过水箱测试，研究人员可以发现飞机结构的缺点，进行补弱。即水箱测试可以找出飞机的优点和弱点。故选C。

2.细节理解题。根据文章第二段“ Finally, there is an explosion.”可知水箱测试最终会让飞机爆炸。故选B。

3.推理判断题。根据文章最后一段“The plane begins to fall like a stone. It is the pilot’s job to find out how he can get control of the plane again. ”可知在试飞的过程，试飞员要关闭发动机，飞机就像是石头一样下落，然后试飞员再找到控制飞机的方法。所以，试飞最大的危险是对飞机失去控制。故选C。

4.主旨大意题。根据文章第一段“Before a new type of airplane goes into service, every part of it is tested again and again. But there are two tests that are more important than all the others.”文章第一段提及新的飞机在投入使用之前，要经历一系列的测试，其中有两项测试特别重要。文章二、三分别对这两项测试进行了详细的说明。所以本文主要是关于飞机的两项重要测试。故选B。