閱讀理解。

Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.

Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup(基因構成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible.

Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.

Exploration also allows minerals and other potential(潛在的) resources to be found. Even if we have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin­offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Even non­stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by­products(副產(chǎn)品) of technological developments in the space industry!

While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers. The danger exists, but knowledge can help human beings to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.

While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in the future.

本文是一篇議論文，向我們闡述了人類進行太空探索的原因。人類的基因構成決定了人類探索其他領域包括太空的能力。人類探索太空可能暫時沒有多大用處，但是在將來這可能會幫助人類生存下去。

1.Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph 1?

A.To express his doubts. B.To compare different ideas.

C.To introduce points for discussion.D.To describe the conditions on Earth.

答案：C。推理判斷題。作者在第一段提出問題目的是引出下面要討論的話題。

.What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph 2?

A.Humans are nature­born to do so.

B.Humans have the tendency to fight.

C.Humans may find new sources of food.

D.Humans don't like to stay in the same place.

答案：A。細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第二段的第一句可知人類探索太空的原因是其基因的構成。

.The underlined word “spin­offs” in Paragraph 4 probably refers to ________.

A.survival chances B.potential resources

C.unexpected benefitsD.physical possessions

答案：C。詞義猜測題。后面所說的“improvements in earthquake prediction，in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems”可知此處的劃線短語意為“益處，好處”。

.What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets?

A.Our genetic makeup. B.Resources on the earth.

C.The adaptive ability of humans.D.By­products in space exploration.

答案：C。細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)最后一段的第一句話可知，人類的適應能力會讓人類在其他星球生存下去。

.Which of the statements can best sum up the passage?

A.Space exploration has created many wonders.

B.Space exploration provides the best value for money.

C.Space exploration can benefit science and technology.

D.Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth.

答案：D。主旨大意題。A、B兩項可以容易地排除。全文主要講的是太空探索對幫助人類生存的益處，而不是對科技的益處。

Camilla Tadich (An Exhibition At Dianne Tanzer Gallery+Projects)

Sat,28 January,2014—Sat,3 March,2014　10：00 am—5：00 pm

Dianne Tanzer Gallery+Projects,108—110 Gertrude St Fitzroy，VIC

Camilla Tadich’s practice focuses on the night Australian landscape and explores spaces within darkness.Senses are enhanced as we traverse the darkened landscapes of these paintings.

FREE diannetanzergallery.net.au

Healing the Bay

Tue,31 January,2014—Tue,27 March,2014　10：00 am—6：00 pm

Galleon Cafe,9 Carlisle Street，St Kilda

This exhibition brings artistic concern for the health of Port Phillip Bay and in particular the coastal stretch of the City of Port Phillip.The works in a number of media will bring public insight and inspiration to a range of issues that are putting pressure on our bay，including sea level rise，environmental concerns，coastal development and sustainability.

History And Heritage—Melton Photography Exhibition

Wed,15 February,2014—Sun,26 February,2014　9：00 am—5：00pm

323 High Street，Melton，VIC

The History and Heritage of Melton Photography Exhibition is a community driven project that promotes the exchange of material，research and participation.This “grass roots” approach to the development of this exhibition ensures that there is a sustainable preservation of culture and active engagement with local history.The History and Heritage of Melton and District Newsletter evolved from this exhibition and this publication was a Sustainable Cities Awards Finalist in 2011.

Conservatory Of Singular Specimens—An Environmental Art Exhibition

Thu,16 February,2014—Sun,26 February,2014　9：00 am—5：00 pm

Bolin Bolin Gallery,6 Manningham Rd West，Bulleen

Sanctum Theatre’s Conservatory of Singular Specimens is an “ark upon which Sanctum artists attempt to rescue some of our most significant species”.Artworks will include sculptures，paintings，drawings，puppets and installations.This exhibition will be opened on Gaia night,23 Feb—see separate listing for details.This event will raise funds for Sustainable Gardening Australia.

1.We can infer that Camilla Tadich may be .

A.a historian B.a painter

C.a photographer D.an environmentalist

2.If you visit Gallen Cafe，you are interested in .

A.enjoying the night scenes

B.learning about the history

C.protecting the environment

D.saving the species of plants

3.According to the text，Melton Photography exhibition .

A.is promoted by active photographs

B.is a project to record local history

C.is to spread culture between communities

D.is developed through the efforts of local people

4.To collect money for a project，you may choose .

A.Camilla Tadich B.History And Heritage

C.Healing The Bay D.Conservatory Of Singular Specimens

1.B　[細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第一部分的“Camilla Tadich’s practice focuses on...the darkened landscapes of these paintings.”可知，這個展覽主要是關于澳大利亞夜景的繪畫，因此表明他是一個畫家。]

2.C　[細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第二部分“Galleon Cafe,9 Carlisle Street，St Kilda”和“environment concerns”可知，這個展覽是關于保護環(huán)境的。]

3.D　[細節(jié)理解題。結合第三部分的“This ‘grass roots’ approach to the development of this exhibition ensures that there is a sustainable preservation of culture and active engagement with local history.”可知，這個展覽是社區(qū)的人們共同推動的。]

4.D　[推理判斷題。根據(jù)最后一部分的最后一句“This event will raise funds for Sustainable Gardening Australia.”可知這個展覽會是為一個項目募捐的。]