Question

    China is known for its long history, rich culture, and cute pandas. It’s also known for some of the worst air quality in the world. But the Asian country is now using a natural weapon against air pollution — trees.

In February, China’s government announced plans to cover at least 32,400 square miles with forest. That is about the size of Ireland. Some 60,000 soldiers will take charge of the tree-planting program. Most of the trees will be planted in Hebei Province. That is an area surrounding China’s capital, Beijing.

Huang Wei is an environmentalist who works for Greenpeace East Asia. She is optimistic about the plan. “Trees act as a sink to absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants,” she said. Carbon dioxide is a gas that traps the Earth’s heat. It contributes to global warming.

Why is China’s air filled with harmful chemicals? It’s because the country relies on coal-fired power plants. When coal is burned, PM2.5 is produced. PM2.5 is a pollutant. It can cause shortness of breath, heart attacks, and even death.

Just two years ago, pollution levels were so high in Beijing that schools and factories had to close. Huang hopes China’s tree-planting plan will reduce the nation’s suffering from air pollution.

The Chinese government is getting help from others in its drive to make the nation greener. Stefano Boeri is an Italian architect and urban planner. He is leading an effort to plant vertical (垂直的) forests in China.

Boeri’s designs have already taken root in the city of Nanjing, China. That’s where the Nan-jing Green Towers are under construction. The building has two towers. Thousands of trees and hanging plants will grow on the balconies and rooftops.

Boeri says his goal is to design buildings that help the environment and improve air quality. He also hopes to encourage a new generation of green architects.

1.What measure is China taking to improve the air quality according to the passage?

A.Planting more tress.

B.Closing the electricity factories.

C.Forbidding people to burn coal.

D.Designing new buildings.

2.What does Huang Wei think of the new plan?

A.Doubtful. B.Uncertain.

C.Promising. D.Ineffective.

3.Which of the following has the closest meaning to “contributes to” in paragraph 3?

A.Adapts to. B.Results in.

C.Refers to. D.Concentrates on.

4.Why is Stefano Boeri invited to China to design buildings?

A.Because his design can keep the polluted air outside the house.

B.Because his buildings are built in forest.

C.Because his design is special with two towers.

D.Because his design is environmentally friendly.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.B

4.D

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章介绍了面对严重的环境污染，中国正在做出的努力。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段的But the Asian country is now using a natural weapon against air pollution — trees.可知，但是这个亚洲国家现在正在使用一种天然武器来对付空气污染——树木。由此可知，中国正在通过种树来改善空气质量。故选A。

2.推理判断题。根据第三段的Huang Wei is an environmentalist who works for Greenpeace East Asia. She is optimistic about the plan.可知，黄伟是绿色和平东亚分部的一名环保主义者。她对这个计划很乐观。由此可知，她认为这个新计划很有前途。故选C。

3.词义猜测题。根据上一句Carbon dioxide is a gas that traps the Earth’s heat.(二氧化碳是一种吸收地球热量的气体)可知，it指代的是二氧化碳，根据常识可知，二氧化碳是温室气体，会导致全球变暖。由此可知，contribute to是“导致”的意思，A. Adapts to适应；B. Results in导致；C. Refers to引用；D. Concentrates on集中于。结合选项。故选B。

4.推理判断题。根据上文语境可知，中国政府一直在寻找降低环境污染的方法，结合第六段的Stefano Boeri is an Italian architect and urban planner. He is leading an effort to plant vertical (垂直的) forests in China.可知，Stefano Boeri是意大利建筑师和城市规划师，他正在领导一项在中国种植垂直森林的计划。由此推知，Stefano Boeri被邀请到中国来设计建筑是因为他的设计是环保的。故选D。