might die young from motor neurone(神经元) disease made him concentrate on his work.
Professor Hawking said: “My sister Philippa could read by the age of 4 and then she was definitely brighter than me.” He said that he was unexceptional at school and was never further than halfway up his class. “My classwork was very untidy, and my handwriting was the despair of my teachers,” he said. “But my classmates gave me the nickname Einstein, so presumably they saw signs of something better.”
But he said that it was when doctors told him that he probably only had a few years to live at the age of 21 that galvanized him into focusing on his work and a period of productivity that resulted in some of his early
breakthroughs. He said, “When you are faced with the possibility of an early death, it makes you realize that life is worth living and there are lots of things you want to do.”
26. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Stephen Hawking is the second Einstein in the world.
B. Stephen Hawking couldn’t read at the age of 7.
C. Stephen Hawking’s handwriting was once terribly bad.
D. Stephen Hawking’s sister once performed much better than him.
27. What made Stephen Hawking devote himself to his work?
A. Patience. B. Knowledge.
C. Disease. D. Laziness.
28. What can we learn from the last paragraph?
A. Stephen Hawking didn’t realize his dreams in physics.
B. It was possible for Hawking to face the early death.
C. The purpose of the doctor’s diagnosis was to encourage him to work hard.
D. His life might be taken away by long hard work.
29. From whom did Hawking get a relatively just estimation when he was at school?
A. His sister. B. His classmates.
C. His teachers. D. His parents.
B
【2024年陕西省西安市长安区第一中学高三上学期第六次质量检测】Scientists have found living organisms trapped in crystals（晶体）that could be 50,000 years old.
The organisms were found in a hot, but beautiful cave system in Naica, Mexico. These ancient life forms can be seen only with a microscope. Penelope Boston, who leads the Astrobiology Institute at NASA, the space agency of the United States, says the ancient microbes were able to live by eating minerals such as iron.
She spoke about the discovery recently at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. If the findings are confirmed, they will show how microbes can survive in extreme conditions. Forty different kinds of microbes and some viruses were found in the underground area. The genetic structures of these organisms are 10 percent different from those of their nearest relatives.
The caves in Naica are 800 kilometers deep. They were once used for mining lead. Before the miners began working in the caves, the area was separated from the surface and the outside world. Some of the caves are as big as the large religious centers built during Europe’s Middle Ages. There are crystals covering the walls. The caves are so hot that scientists must wear special clothing to keep cool. The clothing keeps the crystals safe from human germs（病菌）or other damage. Boston said the researchers could only work for about 20 minutes at a time before they had to go to a room that was 38 degrees Celsius to cool down.
NASA officials would not let Boston share her findings with scientific experts before last week’s announcement. So scientists could not say much about the findings. But Norine Noonan, a biologist with the University of South Florida, said she believed them. \asked. \extremely colorful.\
Boston is also studying microbes commonly found inside caves in other countries, such as Ukraine and the United States. These microbes appear to be impossible to kill. Boston said they show how difficult life on Earth can be.
30. The existence of the ancient microbes relies on _______.
A. surrounding insects B. diverse plants
C. eating minerals D. absorbing air
31. What can we infer about the caves in Naica from the passage?
A. The temperature in the caves is quite low.
B. The caves have been explored since they were formed.
C. The walls are covered by crystals.
D. The environment in the caves is difficult to adapt to.
32. What is the biologist Norine Noonan’s attitude towards the findings?
A. Neutral. B. Positive. C. Doubtful. D. Indifferent.
33. What’s the main idea of the passage?
A. Living organisms bring hope to scientific research.
B. Scientists discover 50,000-year-old “super life” in Mexico.
C. Microbes show great power to survive in terrible conditions.
D. Caves provide living environment for living organisms.
五、七选五
【2016年北京高考试题】The Science of Risk——Seeking
Sometimes we decide that a little unnecessary danger is worth it because when we weigh the risk and the reward, the risk seems worth tasking. _34__Some of us enjoy activities that would surprise and scare the rest of us. Why? Experts say it may have to do with how our brains work.
The reason why any of us take any risks at all might have to do with early humans. Risk-takers were better at hunting, fighting, or exploring. _35__ As the quality of risk-taking was passed from one generation to the next, humans ended up with a sense of adventure and a tolerance for risk.
So why aren’t we all jumping out of airplanes then? Well, even 200,000 years ago, too much risk-taking could get one killed. A few daring survived, though, along with a few stay-in-the-cave types. As a result, humans developed a range of character types that still exists today. So maybe you love car racing, or maybe you hate it. _36_
No matter where you are on the risk-seeking range, scientists say that your willingness to take risks increases during your teenage years. _37__To help you do that, your brain increases your hunger for new experiences. New experiences often mean taking some risks, so your brain raises your tolerance for risk as well.
2024-2024学年上学期寒假作业高二 英语 学生版(附答案)
