Unless we spend money to spot and prevent asteroids now, one might crash into Earth and destroy life as we know it, say some scientists.
Asteroids are bigger versions of the meteoroids that race across the night sky. Most orbit the sun far from Earth and dont threaten us. But there are also thousands of asteroids whose orbits put them on a collision course with Earth.
Buy $50 million worth of new telescopes right now. Then spend $10 million a year for the next 25 years to locate most of the space rocks. By the time we spot a fatal one, the scientists say, well have a way to change its course.
Some scientists favor pushing asteroids off course with nuclear weapons. But the cost wouldnt be cheap.
Is it worth it?Two things experts consider when judging any risk re:1)How likely the event is;and 2)How bad the consequences if the event occurs. Experts think an asteroid big enough to destroy lots of life might strike Earth once every 500, 000 years. Sounds pretty rarebut if one did fall, it would be the end of the world. If we dont take care of these big asteroids, theyll take care of us, says one scientist. Its that simple.
The cure, though, might be worse than the disease. Do we really want fleets of nuclear weapons sitting around on Earth?The world has less to fear from doomsday rocks than from a great nuclear fleet set against them, said a New York Times article.
21.What does the passage say about asteroids and meteoroids?
A) They are heavenly bodies different in composition.
B) They are heavenly bodies similar in nature.
C) There are more asteroids than meteoroids.
D) Asteroids are more mysterious than meteoroids.
22.What do scientists say about the collision of an asteroid with Earth?
A) It is very unlikely but the danger exists.
B) Such a collision might occur once every 25 years.
C) Collisions of smaller asteroids with Earth occur more often than expected.
D) Its still too early to say whether such a collision might occur.
23.What do people think of the suggestion of using nuclear weapons to alter the courses of asteroids?
A) It sounds practical but it may not solve the problem.
B) It may create more problems than it might solve.
C) It is a waste of money because a collision of asteroids with Earth is very unlikely.
D) Further research should be done before it is proved applicable.
24.We can conclude from the passage that ________.
A) while pushing asteroids off course nuclear weapons would destroy the world
B) asteroids racing across the night sky are likely to hit Earth in the near future
C) the worry about asteroids can be left to future generations since it is unlikely to happen in our lifetime
D) workable solutions still have to be found to prevent a collision of asteroids with Earth
25.Which of the following best describes the authors tone in this passage?
A) Optimistic.
B) Critical.
C) Objective.
D) Arbitrary.
答案:21.B 22.A 23.B 24.D 25.C
国内英语资讯:Chinas top legislature starts bi-monthly session, supervision law on agenda
葛浩文英译莫言的《变》:语义的不对等
国际英语资讯:Death toll from Philippine tropical storm Tembin rises to 200: police
To See Is to Believe 眼见为实
体坛英语资讯:Former AC Milan striker Oliveira joints Atletico Mineiro
The Unexpected Visit 突如其来的到访
美文赏析:家人是家人,你是你
国际英语资讯:Macedonias opposition elects new leader
一周热词榜(12.16-22)
国际英语资讯:Libyan PM says elections can solve political crisis
体坛英语资讯:Hoffenheims Wagner joins Bayern Munich
Mother’s words 妈妈的话
国际英语资讯:Shotgun found in Chicago airport parking garage
World’s steepest railway line 世界上最陡峭的缆索铁路
国际英语资讯:37 feared dead in massive shopping mall fire in the Philippines: vice mayor
内蒙古集宁一中西校区2017-2018学年高二第三次月考英语试卷
Is Appearance Important 外表重要吗
金曲MV放送:2017年最好听的十首歌(视频)[1]
国内英语资讯:Chinas first large amphibious aircraft AG600 takes to the skies for maiden flight
国际英语资讯:Modest British economic growth defies Brexit gloom predictions
内蒙古集宁一中西校区2017-2018学年高一第三次月考英语试卷
体坛英语资讯:Sanya steps up efforts to build international sailing city
嫌回家路堵 男子竟自行修改路标
国内英语资讯:SW Chinese province steps up anti-poverty efforts
国际英语资讯:Russia, Britain agree to build trust despite differences
体坛英语资讯:Guerrero cleared to play in World Cup after doping ban halved
国际英语资讯:UN General Assembly adopts resolution on status of Jerusalem
微信朋友多的人,都有一个共同特点
体坛英语资讯:Yearender: 2017 sees solid preparation for Beijing 2022
Slap in the face