A
(2019·全国Ⅱ卷)
Bacteria are an annoying problem for astronauts.The microorganisms(微生物) from our bodies grow uncontrollably on surfaces of the International Space Station,so astronauts spend hours cleaning them up each week.How is NASA overcoming this very tiny big problem?It’s turning to a bunch of high school kids.But not just any kids.It is depending on NASA HUNCH high school classrooms,like the one science teachers Gene Gordon and Donna Himmelberg lead at Fairport High School in Fairport,New York.
HUNCH is designed to connect high school classrooms with NASA engineers.For the past two years,Gordon’s students have been studying ways to kill bacteria in zero gravity,and they think they’re close to a solution(解决方案).“We don’t give the students any breaks.They have to do it just like NASA engineers,” says Florence Gold,a project manager.
“There are no tests,” Gordon says.“There is no graded homework.There almost are no grades,other than ‘Are you working towards your goal?’Basically,it’s ‘I’ve got to produce this product and then,at the end of the year,present it to NASA.’Engineers come and really do an in-person review,and... it’s not a very nice thing at times.It’s a hard business review of your product.”
Gordon says the HUNCH program has an impact(影响) on college admissions and practical life skills.“These kids are so absorbed in their studies that I just sit back.I don’t teach.” And that annoying bacteria?Gordon says his students are emailing daily with NASA engineers about the problem,readying a workable solution to test in space.
【语篇解读】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了美国一所中学与NASA合作的科研项目HUNCH,鼓励学生开发创新思维,培养实际生活技能。
1.What do we know about the bacteria in the International Space Station?
A.They are hard to get rid of.
B.They lead to air pollution.
C.They appear in different forms.
D.They damage the instruments.
答案:A
解析:推理判断题。根据第一段的第二句提到的“来自我们身体的微生物在国际空间站的表面无法控制地生长,所以宇航员每周要花几个小时来清理它们。”可知,在国际空间站,很难除掉细菌。
2.What is the purpose of the HUNCH program?
A.To strengthen teacher-student relationships.
B.To sharpen students’ communication skills.
C.To allow students to experience zero gravity.
D.To link space technology with school education.
答案:D
解析:细节理解题。根据第二段的第一句“HUNCHisdesignedtoconnecthighschoolclassroomswithNASAengineers.”可知,该项目设计的目的是把教室和NASA的工程师们连接起来。分析选项可知,D项与该意思一致。
3.What do the NASA engineers do for the students in the program?
A.Check their product.
B.Guide project designs.
C.Adjust work schedules.
D.Grade their homework.
答案:A
解析:细节理解题。根据第三段中的“‘I’vegottoproducethisproductandthen,attheendoftheyear,presentittoNASA.’Engineerscomeandreallydoanin-personreview...”可知,NASA的工程师们要亲自检查他们的成果。
4.What is the best title for the text?
A.NASA:The Home of Astronauts
B.Space:The Final Homework Frontier
C.Nature:An Outdoor Classroom
D.HUNCH:A College Admission Reform
答案:B
解析:主旨大意题。通读全文并结合文章的最后一句可知,戈登的学生每天都会给NASA的工程师发邮件,讨论这个问题,为太空测试准备一个可行的解决方案,故B项“太空:最后的作业前沿”作为文章的标题最合适。
