1.CR
Truffles, a highly prized delicacy in France, grow on the roots of oak trees. However, many oak trees in France have died in recent years, leading to a decrease in truffle production. Despite efforts to plant more oak trees, the mortality rate remains high. Therefore, it is expected that the price of truffles in France will continue to rise. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument?
(A) The demand for truffles has decreased significantly due to changes in consumer preferences.
(B) The French government has implemented a subsidy program to support truffle farmers.
(C) A new species of oak tree resistant to the cause of the high mortality rate has been discovered.
(D) The bargaining power of truffle suppliers has diminished due to increased competition from other countries.
(E) A breakthrough in truffle cultivation technology has made it possible to grow truffles without oak trees.
A study of a particular species of wild cats in a certain region found that smaller, heavier female cats tend to give birth to more kittens than their larger, lighter counterparts. Experts predict that over the years, the population of these cats in the region will consist of more small, heavy individuals. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the experts' prediction?
(A) The birth rate and death rate of the wild cats in the region remain relatively constant over time.
(B) The lifespan of the smaller, heavier cats is not significantly different from that of other cats in the species.
(C) The offspring of the smaller, heavier cats can perfectly inherit their mothers' physical characteristics.
(D) The smaller, heavier kittens are just as likely to survive to adulthood as kittens born to larger, lighter mothers.
(E) The region's environmental conditions favor the survival of smaller, heavier cats over their larger, lighter counterparts.
答案:
Scientists have tested many ideas in the past, figuring that the islanders must have used a combination of log rollers, ropes, and wooden sledges. Now a pair of archaeologists have come up with a new theory: Perhaps the statues, known as moai, were “engineered to move” upright in a rocking motion, using only manpower and rope.
Terry Hunt of the University of Hawaii and Carl Lipo of California State University Long Beach have worked closely with archaeologist Sergio Rapu, who's part of the South Pacific island’s population of indigenous Rapanui, to develop their idea. They’ve observed that fat bellies allowed the statues to be tilted forward easily, and heavy, D-shaped bases could have allowed handlers to roll and rock the moai side to side
Last year, in experiments funded by the National Geographic Society’s Expeditions Council, Hunt and Lipo showed that as few as 18 people could, with three strong ropes and a bit of practice, easily and relatively quickly maneuver a ten-foot (three-meter), five-ton moai replica a few hundred yards (a few hundred meters). No logs were required. (National Geographic News is a division of the Society.)
In previous efforts to solve the mystery, Czech engineer Pavel Pavel worked with Norwegian explorer-adventurer Thor Heyerdahl and a team of 17 helpers to propel an upright, 13-foot (4-meter), nine-ton moai forward with twisting motions, keeping the statue fully upright at all times. That was in 1986. But Pavel’s team damaged the moai's base and had to stop.
A year later U.S. archaeologist Charles Love and a team of 25 erected a 13-foot (4-meter), nine-ton model upright on a wooden sledge and moved it over log rollers, advancing it 148 feet (45 meters) in two minutes.
Meanwhile, for many of Easter Island’s 2,000 or so indigenous Rapanui, descended from the original Polynesian settlers, the answer is simple. “We know the truth,” says Suri Tuki, 25, a tour guide. “The statues walked.”
1. The passage implies that the primary reason why Hunt and Lipo's theory regarding the movement of the moai statues has gained attention is that it:
(A) provides a compelling explanation for the Rapanui people's long-standing belief that the statues walked.
(B) offers a more parsimonious account of how the statues were moved than previous theories.
(C) demonstrates the feasibility of moving the statues using only materials and techniques available to the ancient Rapanui people.
(D) incorporates evidence from a wide range of scientific disciplines, including archaeology, engineering, and physics.
(E) challenges the notion that the Rapanui people possessed sophisticated engineering knowledge.
2. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument that the moai statues were moved using the method proposed by Hunt and Lipo?
(A) Oral histories passed down among the Rapanui people include detailed descriptions of the statues being moved in an upright position.
(B) Traces of rope fibers have been found on several moai statues, suggesting that ropes were used to move them.
(C) The terrain between the quarry where the statues were carved and their final locations is relatively flat and even.
(D) Some of the moai statues have been found to have a slightly asymmetrical base, which could have facilitated a rocking motion.
(E) The average weight of the moai statues is greater than previously believed, making it unlikely that they could have been moved using log rollers.
3. Based on the information provided in the passage, it can be inferred that Pavel Pavel and Thor Heyerdahl's 1986 experiment:
(A) was the first to successfully demonstrate that the moai statues could be moved in an upright position.
(B) was inspired by the Rapanui people's traditional belief that the statues walked to their final locations.
(C) used a replica moai statue that was significantly smaller than the average size of the actual statues.
(D) relied on a technique that was ultimately deemed too difficult and hazardous to be practical.
(E) was funded by the National Geographic Society's Expeditions Council.
4. The passage suggests that the experiments conducted by Hunt and Lipo, in contrast to those conducted by Pavel Pavel and Charles Love, were:
(A) more closely aligned with the Rapanui people's traditional beliefs about how the moai statues were moved.
(B) more successful in terms of the distance that the replica statue was moved.
(C) more reliant on the use of modern materials and technology.
(D) more focused on the role of the statues' physical characteristics in facilitating their movement.
(E) more collaborative in nature, involving close cooperation with Rapanui archaeologists and cultural experts.
5. Which of the following can be inferred about the moai statues based on the passage?
(A) They were carved from a single type of stone found only on Easter Island.
(B) They were originally painted in bright colors, but the pigments have faded over time.
(C) They were created over a period of several centuries, with the largest statues being the oldest.
(D) They were once used as part of a complex astronomical calendar system.
(E) They vary significantly in size and weight, with some being too large to have been moved using Hunt and Lipo's proposed method.
6. The author of the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?
(A) The moai statues were created primarily for religious or spiritual purposes, rather than as a demonstration of political power.
(B) The Rapanui people's traditional belief that the statues walked to their final locations is based on a literal interpretation of oral histories.
(C) The transportation of the moai statues remains one of the most enduring mysteries of Easter Island's history.
(D) The experiments conducted by Hunt and Lipo provide conclusive evidence that the statues were moved using only ropes and human power.
(E) The various theories proposed for how the moai statues were moved reflect the biases and assumptions of Western researchers.
7. The passage is primarily concerned with:
(A) evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of competing theories about how the moai statues were moved.
(B) describing the cultural and historical significance of the moai statues to the Rapanui people.
(C) presenting new evidence that challenges prevailing theories about the purpose of the moai statues.
(D) arguing for the importance of collaborating with indigenous communities in archaeological research.
(E) exploring the role of the National Geographic Society in funding research on Easter Island.
8. Which of the following questions is left unanswered by the passage?
(A) What is the approximate size and weight of the average moai statue?
(B) Who first proposed the theory that the moai statues were moved using log rollers and wooden sledges?
(C) What evidence suggests that the moai statues were moved using a walking or rocking motion?
(D) How long did it take to transport the moai statues from the quarry to their final locations?
(E) Why did the Rapanui people stop creating and transporting moai statues?
3.DI
The Suez Canal: A Vital Artery in the Global Trade Network
Spanning 193 kilometers and connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal has been a crucial waterway for international maritime trade since its inauguration in 1869. This engineering marvel allows ships to traverse between Europe and South Asia without circumnavigating the African continent, thereby reducing the sea voyage distance by approximately 7,000 kilometers. The canal's strategic location has made it an indispensable part of the global trade network, with an estimated 12% of world trade passing through its waters, including 7% of the world's oil.
However, in recent years, the Suez Canal has been facing increasingly fierce competition from alternative routes and modes of transportation. The expansion of the Panama Canal, completed in 2016, has enabled larger vessels to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, potentially diverting some traffic away from the Suez Canal. Moreover, the development of overland infrastructure projects connecting Europe and Asia, such as the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative spearheaded by China, has provided shippers with a wider array of options for transporting goods via rail and road.
Despite these challenges, the Suez Canal remains a preferred route for many shippers due to its unparalleled efficiency and reliability. The canal boasts the capacity to accommodate ships with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of up to 240,000 tons, with an average transit time of a mere 14 hours. In contrast, the journey around the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost tip of Africa, typically takes approximately 24 days. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA), the entity responsible for the waterway's operation and maintenance, has also implemented a series of measures to enhance the canal's competitiveness. These initiatives include deepening and widening the channel, reducing transit fees, and offering discounts to specific categories of vessels.
According to data released by the SCA, the number of ships transiting the Suez Canal increased from 17,483 in 2015 to 18,880 in 2019, while the total cargo tonnage rose from 998.7 million tons to 1.2 billion tons during the same period. However, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global trade, leading to a significant decline in traffic through the canal. In 2020, the number of transiting ships fell to 18,829, and cargo tonnage dropped to 1.17 billion tons, as the world grappled with the economic fallout of the global health crisis.
To mitigate the effects of the pandemic and attract more ships, the SCA has implemented a series of incentives, such as reducing transit fees by up to 75% for certain types of ships and offering rebates for vessels that make multiple transits within a specified period. Additionally, the SCA has continued to invest in infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of a new 35-kilometer bypass that will allow ships to transit the canal in both directions simultaneously, further enhancing the waterway's efficiency and capacity.
Despite the Suez Canal's pivotal role in global trade, its vulnerability was laid bare in March 2021 when the container ship Ever Given ran aground in the canal. The 400-meter-long vessel became wedged across the waterway, blocking traffic for nearly a week and causing a massive backlog of hundreds of ships. The incident, which resulted in an estimated $9 billion in daily trade losses, underscored the world's overreliance on the Suez Canal and the need for diversified global trade routes.
In response to this challenge, some countries and companies are exploring alternative routes and modes of transportation. For instance, Russia has proposed developing the Northern Sea Route, a shipping lane that traverses the Arctic Ocean, connecting Europe and Asia. This route, while currently limited in its navigability due to ice conditions, has the potential to reduce shipping times between Europe and Asia by up to 40% compared to the Suez Canal route. However, the development of the Northern Sea Route faces significant obstacles, including the need for specialized ice-class vessels, the lack of infrastructure along the route, and environmental concerns related to the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Another potential alternative is the development of overland trade corridors, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway and the New Eurasian Land Bridge, which connect China and Europe via rail. These routes offer the advantage of faster transit times compared to sea freight, with the journey from China to Europe taking approximately 15-18 days by rail, as opposed to 30-45 days by sea via the Suez Canal. However, overland routes also face challenges, such as limited capacity, higher costs, and geopolitical risks, as they pass through multiple countries with varying levels of infrastructure development and political stability.
Despite the emergence of alternative routes, the Suez Canal is likely to remain a critical component of the global trade network for the foreseeable future. The canal's strategic location, coupled with ongoing efforts by the SCA to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness, ensures its continued relevance in the face of evolving global trade dynamics. However, the Ever Given incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater resilience and diversification in global supply chains.
To this end, the international community must work together to develop a more robust and sustainable global trade infrastructure. This could involve investing in the upgrading and expansion of existing trade routes, such as the Suez Canal, as well as the development of new, complementary routes and modes of transportation. Governments and international organizations could provide financial and technical assistance to support these efforts, while also promoting greater cooperation and coordination among countries to address common challenges and opportunities.
Furthermore, the private sector has a crucial role to play in driving innovation and efficiency in global trade. Shipping companies, logistics providers, and other key players in the supply chain must continue to adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands, while also investing in new technologies and practices that can enhance the resilience and sustainability of their operations. This could include the adoption of digital platforms and data analytics to optimize route planning and cargo management, as well as the development of more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vessels.
Ultimately, the future of global trade will depend on the ability of all stakeholders – governments, international organizations, and the private sector – to work together to create a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable trade network. The Suez Canal will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in this network, but it must be complemented by a diverse array of alternative routes and modes of transportation that can adapt to the evolving needs and challenges of the global economy.
As the world continues to grapple with the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to prioritize the development of a more resilient and inclusive global trade system. By investing in the infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships needed to support this system, we can create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
Questions:
1. What is the primary purpose of the Suez Canal in global trade?
A. To connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean
B. To reduce the sea voyage distance between Europe and South Asia
C. To provide an alternative to the Panama Canal
D. To accommodate the world's largest container ships
2. According to the passage, approximately what percentage of global trade passes through the Suez Canal?
A. 7%
B. 12%
C. 18%
D. 24%
3. Which of the following is mentioned as a potential alternative to the Suez Canal?
A. The Northern Sea Route
B. The Cape of Good Hope
C. The Trans-African Railway
D. The Strait of Malacca
4. The Ever Given incident in March 2021 highlighted:
A. The efficiency of the Suez Canal Authority in handling emergencies
B. The need for larger container ships to accommodate growing trade volumes
C. The world's overreliance on the Suez Canal and the need for diversified trade routes
D. The importance of the Suez Canal in connecting Europe and South America
5. According to the passage, what is the average transit time for ships crossing the Suez Canal?
A. 14 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 14 days
D. 24 days
6. The Trans-Siberian Railway and the New Eurasian Land Bridge offer which advantage over the Suez Canal route?
A. Lower transportation costs
B. Faster transit times
C. Higher cargo capacity
D. Reduced geopolitical risks
7. Which of the following best describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Suez Canal, according to the passage?
A. The pandemic had no significant impact on the canal's traffic
B. The pandemic led to an increase in the number of ships transiting the canal
C. The pandemic resulted in a decline in the canal's traffic and cargo tonnage
D. The pandemic prompted the Suez Canal Authority to close the canal temporarily
8. The passage suggests that the development of the Northern Sea Route faces which of the following challenges?
A. The need for specialized ice-class vessels
B. Environmental concerns related to the Arctic ecosystem
C. The lack of infrastructure along the route
D. All of the above
9. According to the passage, what role can the private sector play in improving global trade?
A. Investing in the development of new trade routes
B. Providing financial assistance to governments for infrastructure projects
C. Adopting new technologies and practices to enhance resilience and sustainability
D. Negotiating trade agreements between countries
10. The passage concludes by emphasizing the importance of:
A. Maintaining the Suez Canal as the primary route for global trade
B. Developing a more resilient, diverse, and sustainable global trade network
C. Prioritizing the expansion of overland trade corridors
D. Encouraging competition among alternative trade routes
第二题，❌选C，答案E，加强专家预测该地区小的重的猫咪会越来越多。
A.没讲哪种猫咪的生死比率。
B.寿命没区别，不能增强。
C.基因继承表明生得多而且生得像才能增加这种猫咪。
D.成人率不能增强数量多。
E.加强结论，但是不是专家讲的道理。作者: vicky37 时间: 2024-6-4 17:40
1. A 正确答案：E
A. truffle价格上涨的原因是产量下降，如果需求也急速下降那供需关系平衡不会影响价格
B. support并不能说明结果
C. 但不能确定new species可以保证以前一样的产能，不如A
D. 在产量不变的情况下当竞争增加供给增加价格可能会下降，但现在产能下降就不能确定价格也会下降，不如A
E. 新technology不能确定产量变化，不如A
2. A 正确答案：E
A. 如果出生和死亡率都一样的话，在生的更多的情况下smaller heavy cat会更多
B. 虽然life space一样但不清楚死亡率 etc，不如A
C. 与题目关系不大
D. 虽然存活的更多但不清楚life span etc，不如A
E. 同D 作者: maryyy1019 时间: 2024-6-4 17:48
看一下！ 作者: Eunice12 时间: 2024-6-4 21:24
我的选项：AC
正确选项：
第一题：削弱题
P：T在橡树根部生长。但是法国很多橡树近些年来都死亡了，导致T产量的下降
P：尽管种植很多橡树，但是死亡率还是很高
C:T的价格会继续上升
A:T的需求下降
B:不能削弱
C:新的品种只是个例
D:无关
E:纠结，但是该项技术不一定大规模应用
