“Around 500,000 years ago, at the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian in Beijing’s su

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“Around 500,000 years ago, at the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian in Beijing’s suburban Fangshan district, which is about 50 km from the city of Beijing, there lived early human beings,” says a China history textbook.
The textbook now has to be revised. New dating techniques suggest the remains of Peking Man--- found in the 1920s---are over 200,000 years older than previously thought. What’s important about that date, about 770,000 ago, is that this was an ice age on Earth.
Over Earth’s long history, there have been a number of times when ice and snow covered a large part of its surface. Such periods are known as ice ages.
Earth is in an ice age now. It started about 2 million years ago. Despite the many warm periods since then, scientists regard the whole time as one ice age because of the continuous existence of at least one large ice sheet---the one over Antarctica.
The new discovery was made by Chinese and US scientists. It suggests Peking Man is probably our oldest cold weather human being, said Darryl Granger, an atmospheric scientist at Purdue University whose research appears in Thursday’s edition of the journal Nature.
The average yearly temperature at the time in that part of China was around the freezing mark, but it was too dry for an ice sheet, Granger said.
This raises a question. How did Peking Man survive the cold weather?
Rick Potts, a Smithsonian Institution human origins expert who wasn’t involved in the research, raised three possibilities:
First, fire. Early findings showed signs of a fire in Peking Man’s cave. But there has been debate about whether the fire was accidental or controlled.
Second, fur. There is no evidence that Peking Man used simple tools to make more form-fitting clothes, it’s more likely he wore animal fur.
Lastly, he may have developed gradually to handle the cold. Peking Man may have experienced physiological changes that allowed more blood to flow to his hands and legs, Potts said. “People in general who live in colder climates tend to be shorter and wider,” he explained.
Unlike the times of Peking Man today the global temperature is rising due to the greenhouse effect. In the future, could humans develop to handle the warmth just as Peking Man did to fight the cold?
72. According to the new research, Peking Man actually dates back to _______.
A. around 500,000 years ago            B. over 200,000 years
C. about 770,000 years ago             D. about 2 million years ago
73. What is the most important standard for scientists to decide an ice age?
A. The weather conditions.              B. The continuous existence of any large ice sheets.
C. The average yearly temperature        D. The long period of snowfall
74. Which of the following is true of Peking Man?
A. He is the oldest human being           B. He used fire to keep warm
C. He wore form-fitting clothes made from fur with simple tools.
D. He might have been shorter and wider than previously thought.
75. The following are all the possibilities EXCEPT _______ that the Peking Man survived the cold weather.
A. putting up tents to keep the cold out      B. wearing animal fur
C. using fire in their cave                 D. developing gradually to handle the cold.

答案

小题1:C
小题2:B
小题3:D
小题4:A

解析

举一反三

The world"s oceans have warmed 50 percent faster over the last 40 years than previously thought due to climate change, Australian and US climate researchers reported on Wednesday. Higher ocean temperatures expand the volume of water, contributing to a rise in sea levels that is submerging small island nations and threatening to great damage in low-lying, densely-populated delta regions around the globe.

The study, published in the British journal Nature, adds to a growing scientific chorus of warnings about the pace and consequences of rising oceans. It also serves as a corrective to a massive report issued last year by the Nobel-winning UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change（IPCC）, according to the authors.

Rising sea levels are driven by two things: the thermal（热）expansion of sea water, and additional water from melting sources of ice. Both processes are caused by global warming. The ice sheet that sits at the top of Greenland, for example, contains enough water to raise world ocean levels by seven metres（23 feet）, which would bury sea-level cities from Dhaka to Shanghai.

Trying to figure out how much each of these factors contributes to rising sea levels is critically important to understanding climate change, and forecasting future temperature rises, scientists say. But up to now, there has been a confusing gap between the projections of computer-based climate models, and the observations of scientists gathering data from the oceans.

The new study, led by Catia Domingues of the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, is the first to reconcile（与…一致）the models with observed data. Using new techniques to assess ocean temperatures to a depth of 700 metres（2,300 feet）from 1961 to 2003, it shows that thermal warming contributed to a 0.53 millimetre-per-year rise in sea levels rather than the 0.32 mm rise reported by the IPCC.

64. What happens when the ocean"s temperature rises?

A. It causes sea levels to rise.

B. It causes sea levels to remain constant.

C. It causes sea levels to decrease.

D. It causes sea level to change.

65. Which of the followings would be buried by the rising sea?

A. Small island nations.

B. All coastal cities around the world.

C. People who enjoy holiday on the beach.

D. Low-lying regions.

66. The new study in this passage _____________.

A. shows that thermal warming contributed to a 0.32 millimeter-per-year rise in sea levels.

B. did not reveal anything that scientists hadn"t already known.

C. used new techniques to assess ocean temperatures.

D. shows that models contradict the observed data.

67. What was the main finding of the study?

A. Nothing enough is being done about global warming.

B. That ocean waters have warmed faster than scientists had previously thought.

C. That the warming of the world"s oceans is not a threat.

D. A massive report issued last year by IPCC was wrong.

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Japan"s 24-hour convenience stores, already struggling with lagging sales and growth, may soon face yet another threat - moves to limit business hours and close the stores late at night. The district of Saitama, which borders Tokyo, may follow in the footsteps of the western city of Kyoto and urge convenience stores to close during late night hours in an effort to limit carbon dioxide（二氧化碳）emissions, Japanese media reported.

Kyoto, a former capital, wants to persuade convenience and other 24-hour stores to close late at night so as to improve evening views of the city and cut down on energy use. The Nikkei business daily said closures could last from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The move is strongly opposed by the industry, which fears a bad impact on an already troubled sector also grappling with the specter of a higher tobacco tax, which could hit overall sales.

"Even if we only operate the stores for 16 hours, we can"t stop the refrigerators," said Toshiro Yamaguchi, the president of Seven-Eleven Japan Co, which is owned by Seven & I Holdings Co Ltd, at a news conference in Saitama on Tuesday. He said such cuts in operating hours would reduce each store"s profit by 20 percent. "If this happens, our current business model will lose its foundation."

Analysts said that while it is difficult to estimate the potential impact of the move without a concrete plan, their overall impression was that it was likely to be negative. "This could cut profits and lead to less efficient operations and the increased loss of opportunities," said Masafumi Shoda, an analyst at Nomura Securities. "But it depends on the store -- urban stores do better than others. There are some in the countryside that are inefficient."

Some have suggested that if governments were sincere about reducing carbon emissions there were much more efficient methods, such as cutting back on the huge number of automatic vending machines（自动售货机）

68. Which of the followings was the first to try to limit convenience store hours?

A. Saitama B. Tokyo C. Kyoto D. Nomura Security

69. What"s the main goal of the proposal?

A. To give employees more free time.

B. To limit carbon dioxide emissions.

C. To sell more tobacco products.

D. To reduce each store’s profit.
70. How"s the convenience store sector doing in Japan?

A. It is not mentioned.

B. It"s doing great. Business is booming.

C. Not very well.

D. It’s about to close.

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National Geographic Society
17 TH and M Streets N.W., Washington D.C．20036 U.S.A.
The year is 1991．But just for a moment you will feel the centuries roll back.
Close your eyes and you can almost see Charlemagne kneeling to receive his crown as Holy Roman Emperor.
Or an ageing Michelangelo standing in the middle of rubble （碎石）, staring at the still unbuilt, sky-size dome （圆顶大厦）above.
You are in St. Peter’s Basilica, heart of one of the most attractive nations in the world …
Dear friend,
Every now and then, you visit a place that leaves a lasting impression – and memories that remain long after you’ve returned home. The Vatican is one of those unforgettable places.
As a devoted traveler, I have always believed that there is no replacement for being there. That is, before I saw National Geographic’s new volume （书卷）with my own eyes.
Inside the Vatican
In some ways it’s better than being there. Two experienced Geographic staff members – award-winning photographer James Stansfield and writer Bart Mcdowell – show you a side of the Vatican that you could never see if you were to visit as an ordinary tourist.
You’ll view sights and treasures that only a few are ever allowed to observe, and have extraordinary opportunity to be close to the Vatican’s museums and ceremonies, and to the people who live and work there.
Examine this magnificent volume – free in your home
You’re invited to reserve this attractive new volume now. Simply return the enclosed Reservation Card and your edition will be shipped for your free examination.
Send no money. I’m confident that once you see this amazing book, you won’t be able to put it down! INSIDE THE VATICAN offers you and your family many hours of delight and attraction.
With no risk, and no requirement to buy, why not take a moment now while you’re thinking of it – and mail the enclosed card?
We look forward to having you join us on this unusual journey.
Sincerely,
Michela English
P.S. Remember, too, that this beautiful volume is a perfect gift for anyone who loves travel, history, or art. But it’s available only by direct order through the society.
53．The part before the letter ________.
A．describes ancient Roman Emperor Charlemagne
B．introduces Vatican City, the independent state in Europe
C．tells about the famous Italian scientist and artist Michelangelo
D．gives an imaginary picture of the grandness of National Geographic Society
54．‘Dear Friend’ is used as a greeting because the writer ________.
A．and the reader know each other very well
B．and the reader have heard about each other
C．would like the reader to trust her
D．would like to get to know the reader
55．What the writer introduces to the reader is based on the volume’s ________.
A．quality of presentation           B．importance of sales
C．historical value                 D．value to collectors
56．The book will appeal to ________.
A．the recipient （接受者）         B．the recipient, his wife and children
C．art historians                   D．traveling salesmen

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What causes traffic jams? Too many cars, right? No! Some Brits are now saying that traffic lights are to blame for much of the congestion（交通拥挤）. They suggest that traffic lights be removed at busy roads. They believe people are a better judge of when it’s safe to go, not a traffic light programmed by an absent regulator.
A report from the Institute of Economic Affairs, a UK think tank（智囊团）, argues that abolishing traffic signals would decrease congestion, reduce exhaust emissions（废气排放）and improve safety.
The report said that removing lights should also prevent other bad behavior caused by signals, such as speeding up to catch a green light. It would also avoid the wasted time when drivers have to sit at a red light even if no one is using the green.
The idea may sound strange, but it’s not new. Seven cities and regions in Europe are experimenting with no-lights roads.
Drachten in the Netherlands has got rid of 16 of its traffic light crossings and changed the other two to roundabouts under a “shared space” scheme. At crossings, cyclists dutifully raise their arm when they want to make a turn, and drivers follow a first-arrived, first-through approach and communicate by hand signs, nods and waving.
The result? Typical journey time has been cut in half, and accidents and congestion have mostly disappeared.
There have been small collisions but no problem, said Hans Monderman, creator of the scheme. “We want small accidents, in order to prevent serious ones. It works well because it’s dangerous. The driver has to be responsible for his or her own risk.
“The many rules take away the ability to be considerate,” Monderman added. “We’re losing our responsibility for socially responsible behavior.”
So far, Drachten’s locals have called the experiment a success. “I am used to it now,” said Helena Spaanstra, 24. “You drive more slowly and carefully, but somehow you seem to get around town quicker.”
Tony Ooostward, 70, was equally enthusiastic. “I am a walker and now you are the boss at the crossroads, everyone waits for you. But at the same time walkers wait until there are a number of people wanting to cross at the same time.”
Owen Paterson, UK’s Shadow Transport Minister, visited Drachten. He said Britain should learn from the model. “The idea is to create space where there is mild anxiety among everyone so they all behave cautiously. No one drives fast along a busy street thinking that they have right of way.”
60.Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
A. Don’t Count On Traffic Lights              B. New Traffic Systems Needed
C. Turn Those Traffic Lights Off         D. Let People Have More Say In Traffic
61.According to the report from the Institute of Economic Affairs, abolishing traffic lights would NOT lead to ____.
A. more time being saved                   B. reduction of traffic jams
C. improvement of the environment    D. right of way being taken for granted
62.The underlined word “collision” in Paragraph 7 means closest to ____.
A. jam     B. accident     C. trouble     D. congestion
63.From the passage we can see that the experiment in Drachten worked well because ____.
A. walkers have become the boss of the crossroads
B. cyclists, walkers and drivers each have specially designed routes
C. everyone finds that they have to do their share in regulating traffic
D. drivers are more careful and wait for eyclists or walkers to pass first

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“ONLY A COKE WILL DO”
“We don’t necessarily believe that new advertising, which might make consumers feel better about the Coke brand or better about the ads themselves, will actually result in consumers consuming more of the product,” Morgan Stanley’s Bill Pecoriello wrote in a research note the day after the investor meeting. But Coke is optimistic it can regain its old magic, and is banking on a new slogan: “Welcome to the Coke side of life.”
BREAKTHROUGH HIT?
With PepsiCo about to surpass Coke as the beverage king on Wall Street – Pepsi’s market capitalization has soared in recent years to $97.9 billion, putting it less than a billion dollars behind its rival(对手) – the heat is on Coke. It’s set to launch a new marketing campaign in March, 2006. And having taken a quick look at Coke’s investor presentation on Dec. 7 in New York, my sense is that Coke may be moving in the right direction.
Given the continued shift by consumers away from soda – Coke’s stronghold – and into alternative beverages like juice, tea and water, Coke badly needs a breakthrough hit. And given that shift away from soda, some analysts wonder whether even the catchiest new ads will be enough to put the fizz back into Coke.
SAME OLD, UPDATED.
The new flavors of PowerAde sports drink will probably enable Coke to continue stealing market share from PepsiCo’s Gatorade brand. And Coke is getting a little more creative with packaging, including new, aluminum bottles of Coke that will be sold in nightclubs, and an 8.4-ounce “100 calorie” version of its flagship Coke that will appeal to women who want fewer calories and will like the fact that the small can will fit in their purse. I doubt whether other new products will be successful, including a new coffee-flavored soda called Coke-Cola Blak that I tried. Think carbonated coffee. But I’m not sure if the product, which Coke is pitching as an afternoon pick-me-up for the 35-and-over set, is going to pull people away from their afternoon Frappucino fix. And my opinion is that Vault, an orange-flavored energy drink, will have just as much trouble unseating Mountain Dew among teens as did Coke’s last attempt, a product called Surge.
If there is one concern I have about the fresh offerings Coke plans to launch this year, it appears that many of them are simply new brands, not new products.
68.According to the passage, we can know that ____.
A. Coke mainly depends on new products recently
B. nowadays Coke is comparatively less popular
C. PepsiCo has taken the place of Coke
D. Coke has few new brands
69.The underlined word “soared” means ____.
A. achieved B. dropped C. increased D. failed
70.When the middle-aged people feel tired, what would they prefer to drink in order to continue their work?
A. Vault. B. Surge. C. Coke-Cola Blak D. Frappucino.
71.What is the best title of the passage?
A. Troubles in Coke Company
B. Varieties of New Products
C. The Importance of New Advertisements
D. The Relationship Between Coke and Pepsi

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