2012届高考英语考前冲刺精品资料阅读理解系列（三）
(第1篇)
It was the first snow of winter — an exciting day for every child but not for most teachers. Up until now, I had been able to dress myself for recess (课间休息), but today I would need some help.Miss Finlayson, my kindergarten teacher at Princess Elizabeth School near Hamilton，Ontario，had been through first snow days many times in her long career, but l think she may still remember this one.
I managed to get into my wool snow pants. But I struggled with my jacket because it didn’ t fit well. It was a hand me down from my brother, and it made me wonder why I had to wear his ugly clothes. At least my hat and matching scarf were mine, and they were quite pretty. Finally it was time to have Miss Finlayson help me with my boots. In her calm, motherly voice she said, “By the end of winter, you will be able to put on your own boots. ”I didn’t realize at the time that this was more a statement of hope than of confidence.
I handed her my boots and stuck out my feet. Like most children, I expected the adult to do all the work. After much wiggling and pushing, she managed to get the first one into place and then, with a sigh, worked the second one on too.
I announced, “They’ re on the wrong feet. ”With the gra ce that only experience can bring, she struggled to get the boots off and went through the joyless task of putting them on again.Then I said，“ These aren’t my boots, you know.” As she pulled the offending boots from my feet, she still managed to look both helpful and interested. Once they were off, I said，“They are my brother’ s boots. My mother makes me wear them, and I hate them ！” Somehow, from long years of practice，she managed to act as though I wasn’t an annoying little girl.She pushed and shoved, less gently this time, and the boots were returned to their proper place on my feet. With a great sigh of relief, seeing the end of her struggle with me, she asked, “Now，where are your gloves？”
I looked into her eyes and said，“ I didn’ t want to lose them, so I put them into the toes of my boots.”
[语篇解读] 本文通过为小作者穿靴子的故事，描写了老师的善解人意和小女孩的顽皮。
1．According to the passage, the little girl got________from her brother.
A. the wool snow pants and the jacket
B. the jacket and the boots
C. the jacket and the hat
D. the boots and the gloves
[解析] 考查细节理解。根据文章第二段中的“...my jacket because it didn’t fit well.It was a hand me down from my brother...”与第四段中的“These aren’t my boots...They are my brother’s boots.My mother makes me wear them”可知作者穿的是她哥哥的夹克与靴子。
[答案] B
2．What made it so hard for the teacher to help the little girl put her boots on?
A. The gloves in the toes of the boots.
B. The slowness of the teacher.
C. The wrong size of the boots.
D. The unwillingness of the girl.
[解析] 考查细节理解。根据文章的最后一段的“I didn’t want to lose them，so I put them into the toes of my boots”可知让帮助穿鞋的老师费了那么多耐心与力气的是藏在鞋子里的手套。
[答案] A
3．It can be inferred that before the little girl finally went out to enjoy the first snow of winter, the teacher had to help her put on her boots________. A. once B. twice
C. three times
D. four times
[解析] 考查推理判断。从文章第三段与第四段可知老师要帮小作者穿四次鞋：第一次是穿错了脚，第二次是脱下来重新穿上，第三次是作者说了“The aren’t my boots”之后，她又把鞋脱下来，当听说是作者的妈妈非让作者穿哥哥的鞋后，又把它们给作者穿上，第四次是听说手套被放在鞋子里了，就又脱下来重新穿了一次(文中没有点明，但可推出)。 [答案] D
4．Which of the following sentences from the text BEST indicates that the teacher is very considerate?
A. In her calm, motherly voice she said，“ By the end of winter....”( Paragraph 2)
B. With the grace that only experience can bring, she struggled to... (Paragraph 4)
C. ...she still managed to look both helpful and interested. ( Paragraph 4 )
D. ...she managed to act as though I wasn’t an annoying little girl. ( Paragraph 4 )
[解析] 考查细节理解。经过多年的磨砺，老师每次给她穿鞋都是那么有耐心，好像一点也不把小女孩的顽皮放在心上，这足以说明老师很体贴人。
[答案] D
(第2篇)
An increase in students applying to study economics at university is being attributed to (归因于) the global economic crisis awakening a public thirst for knowledge about how the financial system works.
Applications for degree courses beginning this autumn were up by 15% this January, according to UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. A spokesman for the Royal Economic Society said applications to do economics at A level were also up.
Professor John Beath, the president of the society and a leading lecturer at St Andrews University, said his first year lectures —which are open to students from all departments — were drawing crowds of 400, rather than the usual 250.
“There are a large number of students who are not economics majors, who would like to learn something about it.One of the things I have done this year is to relate my teaching to contemporary events in a way that one hash’ t traditionally done，”
he added.
University applications rose 7% last year, but there were rises above average in several subjects. Nursing saw a 15% jump, with people’s renewed interest in careers in the public sector(部门), which are seen as more secure in economic crisis.
A recent study showed almost two thirds of parents believed schools should do more to teach pupils about financial matters, and almost half said their children had asked them what was going on, although a minority of parents felt they did not understand it themselves well enough to explain.
Z ack Hocking, the head of Child Trust Funds, said: “It’s possible that one good thing to arise from the downturn will be a generation that’ s financially wiser and better equipped to manage their money through times of economic uncertainty. ” [语篇解读] 本文主要讲述了金融危机下学生们开始更多地选择与经济有关的专业这一现象。
5．Professor John Beath’ s lectures are________.
A. given in a traditional way
B. connected with the present situation
C. open to both students and their parents
D. warmly received by economists
[解析] 事实细节题。从第四段第二句话可知他把教学与当前的一些重大事件紧密相连，即贴近现实生活，故B(与当前的形势相联系)为正确答案。
[答案] B
6．Careers in the public sector are more attractive because of their________.
A. greater stability
B. higher pay
C. fewer applications
D. better reputation
[解析] 事实细节题。从第五段最后可知在当前金融危机下这些公共部门的工作以其安全性和稳定性吸引了求职者，故A(极大的稳定性)为正确答案。
[答案] A
7．In the opinion of most parents，________.
A. economics should be the focus of school teaching
B. more students should be admitted to universities
C. the teaching of financial matters should be strengthened
D. children should solve financial problems themselves
[解析] 事实细节题。由倒数第二段的内容可知应该“加强关于经济问题方面的教学”，答案为C。
[答案] C
8．According to Hocking, the global economic crisis might make the youngsters ________.
A. wiser in money management
B. have access to better equipment
C. confident about their future careers
D. get jobs in Child Trust Funds
[解析] 推理判断题。Hocking认为经济下滑带来的一个好处就是让年轻人学会了更明智地处理金钱方面的问题，在经济不稳定时期更好地理财。所以答案为A。
[答案] A
9．What’ s the main idea of the text?
A. Universities have received more applications.
B. Economics is attracting an increasing number of students.
C. College students benefit a lot from economic uncertainty.
D. Parents are concerned with children’ s subject selecttion.
[解析] 主旨大意题。第一段提到全球性的金融危机使公众想更多地了解有关经济体系方面的一些问题，所以更多的学生申请经济学专业，本文正是对此展开的论述，故答案为B。
[答案] B
(第3篇)
A volcanic eruption in Iceland has sent ash across northern Europe. Airlines have stopped or changed the flights across the Atlantic Ocean, leaving hundreds of passengers stuck in airports.
Grimsvotn is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Europe. What makes Grimsvotn different is that it lies under a huge glacier(冰川) of ice up to 12 meters thick. The hot volcano heats up the ice above it, which then forms a layer (层) of water between the glacier and the volcano. This layer of water puts pressure on the volcano, keeping it stable. As the water flows ont from under the glacier, the pressure lifts. The lava(岩浆) from the volcano then comes up to the surface.This is exactly what happened today.
Now, airlines have to make changes to their flights so as not to fly through the clouds of volcanic ash.According to KLM, one of Europe’ s biggest airlines, airplanes cannot go under the cloud or over it. Going through the cloud can result in ash getting stuck in the airplane’ s engines, causing damage to the plane.
The eruption has also caused problems for animals in Iceland. The volcano left ash and sharp, glass like rocks all over the countryside.Farmers are keeping their animals inside to stop them from eating ash covered grass or the sharp objects? [语篇解读] 本文向我们介绍了一座叫做Crimsvotn的火山。这座火山与其他火山最大的不同在于：它位于厚达12米的冰川下面。
1．What makes Grimsvotn different from other volcanoes?
A. It is below ice.
B. It lies under the sea.
C. It is the largest volcano.
D. Its lava affects the airlines.
[解析] 由第二段第二句话可知。
[答案] A
2．What keeps Grimsvotn still?
A. The slow flow of water.
B. The low water temperature.
C. The thick glacier.
D. The water pressure.
[解析] 根据第二段第四句话可知。
[答案] D
3．Which of the following is the result of the volcanic eruption?
A. People stop traveling in Europe.
B. Airlines suffer from the loss of planes.
C. It becomes dangerous for animals to eat outside.
D. Farmers have lost many of their animals.
[解析] 根据最后一段内容可得出答案。
[答案] C
4．This text is most probably taken from________.
A. a research paper
B. a newspaper report
C. a class presentation
D. a geography textbook
[解析] 根据文章内容可知，这应该是一篇新闻报道。
[答案] B
(第4篇)
Tens of thousands of theatre tickets will be given away to young people next year as part of a government campaign to inspire a lifelong love for theatre.
The plan to offer free seats to people aged between 18 to 26 — funded with ￡ 2.5 million of taxpayers’ money — was announced yesterday by Andy Burnham, the Culture Secretary.It received a cautious welcome from some in the arts world，who expressed concern that the tickets may not reach the most underprivileged.
The plan comes as West End theatres are enjoying record audiences, thanks largely to musicals teaming up with television talent shows. Attendances reached 13.6 million in 2007，up 10 percent on 2006, itself a record year. Total sales were up 18 percent on 2006 to almost ￡ 470 million.
On e theatre source criticised the Government’ s priorities(优先考虑的事) in funding free tickets when pensioners were struggling to buy food and fuel, saying: “I don’ t know why the Government’ s wasting money on this. The Young Vic, as The Times reported today，of fers excellent performances at cheap prices.”
There was praise for the Government’ s plan from Dominic Cooke of the Royal Court Theatre, who said: “I support any move to get young people into theatre, and especially one that aims to do it all over England, not just in London.”
Ninety five publicly funded theatres could apply for funding under the two year plan. In return, they will offer free tickets on at least one day each week to 18 to 26 year olds，first come, first served. It is likely t o be on Mondays, traditionally a quiet night for the theatre.
Mr. Burnham said: “A young person attending the theatre can find it an exciting experience, and be inspired to explore a new world. But sometimes people miss out on it because they fear it’ s‘not for them’. It’ s time to change this perception.”
Jeremy Hunt, the Shadow Culture Secretary, said: “The real issue is not getting enthusiastic children into the theatre，but improving arts education so that more young people want to go in the first place. For too many children theatres are a no go area.”
[语篇解读] 为了激发年轻一代对戏剧的喜爱，政府开展了一项运动：将于明年送出成千上万张戏票。这一计划在社会各界引起了不同的反应。
5．Critics of the plan argued that________.
A. the theatres would be overcrowded
B. it would be a waste of money
C. pensioners wouldn’ t get free tickets
D. the government wouldn’ t be able to afford it
[解析] 细节理解题。由文中第四段开头的criticised和“I don’t know why the Government’s wasting money on this.”一句可知，批评者认为这一计划是在浪费金钱，故选B。
[答案] B
6．According to the supporters, the plan should________.
A. benefit the television industry
B. focus on producing better plays
C. help increase the sales of tickets
D. involve all the young people in England
[解析] 细节理解题。由文中第五段最后一句话可知，支持该计划的人支持让年轻人到剧院去的任何运动、措施或手段，尤其是那种能够让全英国人而不是仅伦敦人能参与的措施。故选D。
[答案] D
7．Which of the following is TRUE about the plan?
A. Ninety five theatres have received funding.
B. Everyone will get at least one free ticket.
C. It may not benefit all the young people.
D. Free tickets are offered once every day.
[解析] 细节判断题。A项错，95%的剧院只是可以申请该基金，而非获得；B项错在everyone，过于绝对；D项错是因为免费票只是每周发放一次，而非每天都有。
[答案] C
8．We can infer from the passage that in England________.
A. many plays are not for young people
B. many young people don’ t like theatre
C. people know little about the plan
D. children used to receive good arts education
[解析] 推理判断题。由文章最后一段可知真正的问题不是让孩子们进入到剧院里，而是要提高他们的艺术教
育水平，让更多的年轻人愿意进入剧院，由此可见许多年轻人是不喜欢戏剧的。
[答案] B
9．According to the passage, the issue to offer free tickets to young people seems ________.
A. controversial
B. inspiring
C. exciting
D. unreasonable [解析] 推理判断题。由第二、四、五三段可知该计划得到了艺术界一些人士的谨慎的欢迎，另一些人则持批评态度，还有一些人则赞扬该计划。由此可见这项计划是有争议的(controversial)。
[答案] A
(第5篇)
Foreign drivers will have to pay on the spot fines of up to ￡900 for
breaking the traffic law to be carried out next month.
If they do not have enough cash or a working credit crad, their vehicles will be clamped (扣留)until they pay—and they will face an additional fee of ￡ 80 for getting back their vehicles.
The law will also apply to British citizens.The fines will be described officially as “deposits” when the traffic law takes effect, because the money would be returned if the driver went to court and was found not guilty. In practice, very few foreign drivers are likely to return to Britain to deal with their cases.
Foreign drivers are rarely charged because police cannot take action against them if they fail to appear in court. Instead, officers often merely give warnings. Three million foreigu registered vehicles enter Britain each year. Polish vehicles make up 36 percent, French vehicles 10 percent and German vehicles 9 percent. Foreign vehicles are 30 percent more likely to be in a crash than British registered vehicles. The number of crashes caused by foreign vehicles rose by 47 percent between 2003 and 2008. There were almost 400 deaths and serious injuries and 3,000 slight injuries from accidents caused by foreign vehicles in 2008.
The new law is partly intended to settle the problem of foreign lorry drivers ignoring limits on weight and hours at the wheel.Foreign lorries are three times more likely to be in a crash than British lorries. Recent spot checks found that three quarters of lorries that failed safety tests were registered overseas.
The standard deposit for a careless driving offence — such as driving too close to the vehicle in front or reading a map at the wheel —will be ￡ 300. Deposits for speeding offences and using mobile phones will be ￡ 60. Foreign drivers will not get points as punishment added to their licenses, while British drivers will. [语篇解读] 这是一篇新闻报道：英国为了解决国外车辆导致的交通事故高发的问题，从下月起要实施一项措施：对违反交通规则的外国司机处以高达900英镑的现场罚款，如果当场不交，还要额外收取80英镑的(车辆)保管费。
1．The first paragraph serves as a(n)________．
A. explanation
B. introduction
C. comment
D. background
[解析] 推理判断题。通读全文可知，第一段起的作用是引出这段新闻的具体内容，所以这段是引子，所以选B。
[答案] B
2．The foreign drivers who break the traffic law and do not pay on the spot are likely to be fined up to________.
A. ￡ 60
B. ￡ 300
C. ￡ 900 D．￡ 980
[解析] 数字计算题。依据文章第一段可知，这种罚款可高达900英镑，再依据第二段：如果司机不能够立刻缴纳罚款，还要额外缴纳80英镑的(车辆)保管费用，共计980英镑。
[答案] D
3．We can learn from the passage that________.
A. many foreign drivers have been fined by British police
B. 300,000 German vehicles enter Britain every year
C. 25 percent of foreign vehicles entering Britain have failed safety tests
D. British drivers will be punished with points and fines for breaking the traffic law
[解析] 推理判断题。依据文章最后一段可知，英国本国的司机除了要缴纳罚款之外，还要扣驾照的点数，而国外的车辆只罚款，由此得出D项正确。
[答案] D
4．The new traffic law is mainly intended to________.
A. limit the number of foreign vehicles entering Britain
B. increase the British government’s additional income
C. lower the rate of traffic accidents and injuries
D. get foreign drivers to appear in court
[解析] 推理判断题。依据文章倒数第二段第一句话“The new law is partly intended to settle the problem of foreign lorry drivers ignoring limits on weight and hours at the wheel”及文章第五、六两段，可知选C。
[答案] C
(第6篇)
Below are some classified ads from an English newspaper.
classified ads
FOR DIRECT CLASSIFIED SERVICE CALL 800 0557 10A. M. 4P. M. MONDAY FRIDAY
●FOR SALE
COME to our moving sale — Plants, pottery, books，clothes, etc. Sat, Dec. 14th — 9a. m. 5p. m. 1612 Ferndale, Apt. 1,800 4696.
USED FUR COATS and JACKETS. Good condition. $ 30 $ 50. Call 800 0436 after 12 noon.
MOVING: Must sell. TV21, $ 50; AM/FM radio A/C or battery, $ 15; cassette tape recorder, $ 10. Call Jon or Pat ,800 0739 after 5p. m. or weekends.
SHEEPSKIN COAT：man’ s, size 42, 1 year old. $ 85. After 6 p. m. ,800 5224.
●LOST AND FOUND
FOUND: Cat, 6 months old, black and white markings. Found near Linden and South U. Steve. 800 4661.
LOST: Gold wire rim glasses in brown case. Campus area. Reward. Call Gregg 800 2896.
FOUND: Set of keys on Tappan near Hill intersection. Identify key chain. Call 800 9662.
FOUND: Nov. 8th — A black and white puppy in Packard Jewett area. 800 5770.
●PERSONAL
OVERSEAS JOBS—Australia, Europe, S. America, Africa. Students all professions and occupations, $ 700 to $ 3000 monthly. Expenses paid, overtime. Sightseeing. Free information at STUDENTS’UNIO N.
THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER plans to publish a booklet of student travel adventures. If you’ d like to write about your foreign experiences, unusual or just plain interesting, call us (800 9310) and ask for Mike or Janet.
UNSURE WHAT TO DO?
Life Planning Workshop, Dec. 13th 15th. Bob and Margaret Atwood, 800
0046.
●ROOMMATES
FEMALE ROOMMATE
WANTED: Own room near campus. Available December 1st. Rent $ 300 per month until March 1st. $ 450 thereafter. Call Jill for details, 800 7839.
NEED PERSON to assume lease for own bedroom in apt. near campus, $ 380/mo. starting Jan. 1st. Call 800 6157 after 5p. m.
●DOMESTIC SERVICE
EARLY HOUR WAKE UP
SERVICE: For prompt, courteous wake u p service, call 800 0760.
●HELP WANTED
BABYSITTER — MY HOME
If you are available a few hours during the day, and some evenings to care for 2 school age children, please call Gayle Moore, days 800 1111, evenings and weekends 800 4964.
PERSONS WANTED for delivery work. Own transportation. Good pay. Apply 2311 E. Stadium. Office 101, after 9 a. m.
TELEPHONE RECEPTIONIST WANTED. NO experience necessary. Good pay. Apply 2311 E. Stadium. Office 101 ，after 9 a. m.
WAITRESS WANTED: 10a. m. 2 p. m. or 10∶30 a. m. 5 p．m. Apply in person. 207 S. Main, Curtis Restaurant.
HELP WANTED for house cleaning 1/2 day on weekends. When—to be discussed for mutual convenience. Good wages. Sylvan Street. Call 800 2817.
[语篇解读] 这是刊登在英语报纸上的一些广告。
5．Where will you post a notice if you need someone to look after your children?
A. PERSONAL.
B. HELP WANTED.
C. DOMESTIC SERVICE.
D. ROOMMATES.
[解析] 事实细节题。从第六则HELP WANTED中的BABYSITTER可知答案选B。
[答案] B
6．A second hand jacket will probably cost you________.
A. $ 60
B. $ 40
C. $ 20
D. $ 10
[解析] 事实细节题。从第一则FOR SALE中，发现jackets的价格在30美元 50美元，所以答案选B。
[答案] B
7．To have your travel notes published ，you may contact________.
A. Students’ Union
B. Gayle Moore
C. The International Center
D. Life Planning Workshop
[解析] 事实细节题。从文章第三则广告PERSONAL中的THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER 中可以知道答案选C。
[答案] C
8．If you want to have someone wake you up in the morning，you may call________.
A. 800 5224
B. 800 5770
C. 800 7839
D. 800 0760
[解析] 事实细节题。从文章第五则广告DOMESTIC SERVICE中的EARLY HOUR WAKE UP可以知道答案选D。
[答案] D
(第7篇)
Welcome to Banff, Canada’ s first, most famous and arguably most fascinating national park. If you’ve come to ski or snowboard, we’ll see you on the slopes. Skiing is a locals’ favourite too.
While you’ re here, try other recreational activities available in our mountains. Popular choices include a Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, bathe in the natural mineral waters at the Upper Hot Spring, horse drawn sl eigh ride, drive your own team dog sled excursion, and snowmobile tour to the highland (but not in the national park)．
We also recommend you make time to enjoy simple pleasures. After looking around Banff Ave shops, walk a couple of blocks west or south to the scenic Bow River. Try ice skating on frozen Lake Louise where Ice Magic International Ice Sculpture Competition works are displayed after Jan 25. You can rent skates in Banff or at the sport shop in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel.
Banff’ s backcountry paths access a wilderness world of silence and matchless beauty —cross country skis and snowshoes provide the means. Banff sport shops rent equipment and clothes, or join an organized tour. Although we’ve been many times, we still find the cliffs and icefalls of our frozen canyons worth visiting.
Wildlife watching also creates satisfying memories. We have seen hundreds of the elk and bighorn sheep that attract visitors, yet they still arouse a sense of wonder. And the rare spotting of a cougar, wolf or woodland caribou takes our breath away.
See if simple pleasures work for you. Fight in the snow with your kids, walk bdside a stream or climb to a high place and admire the view.
—Banff Resort Guide Editors
[语篇解读] 本文介绍了加拿大最有名的国家公园——Banff，在那儿你可以尽情享受冬季旅游的乐趣！
1．According to the passage, Banff’s backcountry is accessible by________.
A. cross country skiing
B. horse drawn sleigh riding
C. snowmobiling
D. dogsledding
[解析] 细节理解题。根据文章第五段第一句话中的“cross country skis and snowshoes provide the means”可知A项正确。
[答案] A
2．Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. Dogsledding is the most popular sport among local people.
B. Watching wildlife is a memorable experience.
C. Travellers should bring their own sports equipment.
D. Shopping is too simple a pleasure to enjoy.
[解析] 细节判断题。根据文章第六段第一句话“Wildlife watching also creates satisfying memories.”可知B项正确。根据文章第一段的最后一句话可知A项错误；由文章第五段中的“Banff sport shops rent equipment”可知C项错误；D项在文中没有被提及。 [答案] B
3．The purpose of the writing is to________.
A. promote scenic spots in Canada
B. advertise for the sports in Banff
C. introduce tourist activities in Banff
D. describe breathtaking views in Banff
[解析] 写作意图题。由文章的主要内容以及文章最后的落款“Banff Resort Guide Editors”可知这篇文章的主要目的就是介绍在Banff的旅游活动。A项中的in Canada太宽泛，不具体；B项没有体现出“旅游”的意思；D项中的views也不具体，所以答案选C。
[答案] C
(第8篇)
Sometimes，the simplest ideas are the best. For example，to absorb heat from the sun to heat water, you need large, flat，black surfaces. One way to do that is to build those surfaces specially, on the roofs of buildings. But why go to all that trouble when cities are full of black surfaces already, in the form of asphalt (柏油) roads?
Ten years ago, this thought came into the mind of Arian de Bondt, a Dutch engineer. He finally persuaded his boss to follow it up. The result is that their building is now heated in winter and cooled in summer by a system that relies on the surface of the road outside.
The heat collector is a system of connected water pipes.Most of them run from one side of the street to the other, just under the asphalt road. Some, however, dive deep into the ground.
When the street surface gets hot in summer, water pumped through the pipes picks up this heat and takes it underground through one of the diving pipes. At a depth of 100 metres lies a natural aquifer (蓄水层) into which several heat exchangers (交换器) have been built. The hot water from the street runs through these exchangers, warming the groundwater, before returning to the surface through another pipe. The aquifer is thus used as a heat store.
In winter, the working system is changed slightly. Water is pumped through the heat exchangers to pick up the heat stored during summer. This water goes into the building and is used to warm the place up. After performing that task, it is pumped under the asphalt and its remaining heat keeps the road free of snow and ice.
[语篇解读] 文章介绍了怎样依靠外面的柏油马路表面在冬天给楼房供暖，在夏天给楼房降温。
4．Which of the following is true according to the first two paragraphs ?
A. Arian de Bondt got his idea from his boss.
B. Large, flat, black surfaces need to be built in cities.
C. The Dutch engineer’ s system has been widely used.
D. Heat can also be collected from asphalt roads.
[解析] 细节判断题。由文章第二段最后一句话可以得出答案。
[答案] D
5．For what purpose are the diving pipes used?
A. To absorb heat from the sun.
B. To store heat for future use.
C. To turn solar energy into heat energy.
D. To carry heat down below the surface.
[解析] 细节判断题。由文章第四段第一句话的内容可以得出答案。
[答案] D
6．From the last paragraph we can learn that________.
A. some pipes have to be re arranged in winter
B. the system can do more than warming up the building
C. the exchangers will pick up heat from the street surface
D. less heat may be collected in winter than in summer
[解析] 推测判断题。由文章最后一段最后一句的内容可知，这一系统不仅能给楼房供暖，还可以使马路上的冰雪消融。
[答案] B
7．What is most likely to be discussed in the paragraph that follows?
A. What we shall do if the system goes wrong.
B. What we shall do if there are no asphalt roads.
C. How the system cools the building in summer.
D. How the system collects heat in spring and autumn.
[解析] 文章结构题。前面谈到这一系统的工作原理以及冬天怎么给楼房供暖，下文应该讲的是夏天怎么给楼房降温。
[答案] C
(第9篇)
It’s not easy being a teenager(13至19岁青少年)—nor is it easy being the parent of a teenager. You can make your child feel angry, hurt, or misunderstood by what you say without realizing it yourself. It is important to give your child the space he needs to grow while gently letting him know that you’ll still be there for him when he needs you.
Expect a lot from your child, just not everything. Except for health and safety problems, such as drug use or careless driving, consider everything else open to discussion. If your child is unwilling to discuss something, don’ t insist he tell you what’ s on his mind. The more you insist, the more likely that he’ ll clam_up. Instead, let him attempt to solve (解决) things by himself. At the same time, remind him that you’re always there for him should he seek advice or help. Show respect for your teenager’ s privacy (隐私). Never read his mail or listen in on personal conversations.
Teach your teenager that the family phone is for the whole family. If your child talks on the family ’ s telephone for too long, tell him he can talk for 15 minutes, but then he must stay off the phone for at least an equal period of time. This not only frees up the line so that other family members can make and receive
calls, but teaches your teenager moderation (节制). Or if you are open to the idea, allow your teenager his own phone that he pays for with his own pocket money or a parttime job.
[语篇解读] 本文向父母们介绍了一些教育青少年的可行的做法。
1．The main purpose of the text is to tell parents ________.
A. how to get along with a teenager
B. how to respect a teenager
C. how to understand a teenager
D. how to help a teenager grow up
[解析] 写作意图题。全文都是作者向父母提出的一些建议：第一段说要给孩子一定的空间；第二段说对孩子要有期望但是不能期望一切，要让孩子自己去解决问题，教孩子在遇到问题时，向父母求助；第三段说要教育孩子和家人分享电话。由此可见，文章的写作目的是给家长提建议，如何教育青少年子女。
[答案] D
2．What does the phrase “clam up” in Paragraph 2 probably mean ?
A. become excited
B. show respect
C. refuse to talk
D. seek help
[解析] 猜测词义题。由第二段内容可知，如果孩子不愿意讨论一些事情，不要去勉强他。你越是催促他，他就越不愿意说。短语“clam up(拒不开口)”与“refuse to talk”同义。
[答案] C
3．What should parents do in raising a teenager according to the text?
A. Not allow him to learn driving or take drugs.
B. Give him advice only when necessary.
C. Let him have his own telephone.
D. Not talk about personal things with him.
[解析] 推理判断题。第二段中的“At the same time，remind him that you’re always there for him should he seek advice or help”一句表明B项的陈述符合文章的内容。
[答案] B
(第10篇)
A few years ago，Paul Gerner began to gather a group of architects in Las Vegas to ask them what it would take to design a public school that used 50 percent less energy, cost much less to build and obviously improved student learning. “I think half of them fell off their chairs, ”Gerner says.
Gerner manages school facilities (设施) for Clark County, Nevada，a district roughly the size of Massachusetts. By 2018,143,000 additional students will enter the already crowded public education system. Gerner needs 73 new schools to house them. Four architecture teams have nearly finished designing primary school prototypes (样品) ；they plan to construct their schools starting in 2009. The district will then assess how well the schools perform, and three winners will copy those designs in 50 to 70 new buildings.
Green schools are appearing all over, but in Clark County，which stands out for its vastness, such aggressive targets are difficult because design requirements
like more natural light for students go against the realities of a desert climate. “One of the biggest challenges is getting the right site orientation(朝向) ，” Mark McGinty, a director at SH Architecture, says. His firm recently completed a high school in Las Vegas. “You have the same building, same set of windows, but if its orientation is incorrect and it faces the sun, it will be really expensive to cool.”
Surprisingly, the man responsible for one of the most progressive green design competitions has doubts about ideas of eco friendly buildings. “I don’t believe in the new green religion，” Gerner says.“Some of the building techno logies that you get are impractical. I’m interested in those that work. ”But he wouldn’t mind if some green features inspire students. He says he hopes to set up green energy systems that allow them to learn about the process of harvesting wind and solar p ower. “You never know what’s going to start the interest of a child to study math and science，”he says.
[语篇解读] 创造性思维是我们每个人都应该有的，但是一切应该从实际出发，不切实际的想法也就如同空中楼阁。本文所涉及的主人公Gerner想创办一所绿色学校的想法遭到了很多人的质疑，他的设计要求连他自己也开始怀疑。
4．How did the architects react to Gerner’s design requirements?
A. They lost balance in excitement.
B. They showed strong disbelief.
C. They expressed little interest.
D. They burst into cheers.
[解析] 推理判断题。从第一段的最后一句：“I think half of them fell of their chairs，”(一半人惊得从椅子上掉下来)推知：建筑师们对他的设计高度怀疑。
[答案] B
5．Which order of steps is followed in carrying out the project?
A. Assessment—Prototype—Design—Construction.
B. Assessment—Design—Prototype—Construction.
C. Design—Assessment—Prototype—Construction.
D. Design—Prototype—Assessment—Construction.
[解析] 事实细节题。本题也可称作排序题。做题的关键是抓住时间顺序或其他次序。本文从绿色环保学校的设计(第一段)，完成样品(第二段)，评估(第三段)到建设(第四段)说明了建筑这所学校的难度。从而选择答案D。
[答案] D
6．What makes it difficult to build green schools in Clark County?
A. The large size.
B. Limited facilities.
C. The desert climate.
D. Poor natural resources.
[解析] 事实细节题。第三段．..such aggressive targets are difficult because design requirements like more natural light for students go against the realities off a desert climate.说明：在克拉克建筑绿色学校最大的困难就是沙漠性气候问题。
[答案] C
7．What does Gerner think of the ideas of green schools?
A, They are questionable. B. They are out of date.
C. They are advanced.
D. They are practical.
[解析] 推理判断题。根据最后一段Surprisingly，the man responsible for one of the most progressive green design competitions has doubts about ideas of eco friendly buildings.“I don’t beli eve in the new green religion，”Gerner says.可以推测，Gerner对建立此学校持有怀疑态度。
[答案] A
阅读理解训练50篇（1） 1 Doctors say anger can be an extremely damaging emotion, unless you learn how to deal with it. They warn that anger can lead to heart disease, stomach problems, headaches, emotional problems and possibly cancer. Anger is a normal emotion that we all feel from time to time. Some people express anger openly in a calm reasonable way. Others burst with anger, and scream and yell.But other people keep their anger inside. They can not or will not express it. This is called repressing anger. For years many doctors thought that repressing anger was more dangerous to a person's health than expressing it. They said that when a person is angry, the brain releases the same hor- mones (荷尔蒙).They speed the heart rate, raise blood pressure, or sugar into the blood, etC．In general the person feels excited and ready to act. Some doctors say that both repressing and expressing anger can be dangerous. They believe that those who express anger violently may be more likely to develop heart disease, and they believe that those who keep their anger inside may face a greater danger of high blood pressure. Doctors say the solution is learning how to deal with anger. They say the first step is to admit that you are angry and to recognize the real cause of the anger, then decide if the cause is serious enough to get angry about. If it is, they say, “Do not express your anger while angry. Wait until your anger has cooled down and you are able to express yourself calmly and reasonably.” Doctors say that a good way to deal with anger is to find humor in the situation that has made you angry. They said that laughter is much healthier than anger. 1．“Damaging emotion” means t hat _________. A．the emotion is harmless B．the emotion is harmful C．the feeling is very strong D．the feeling is hard 2．What statement is right? A．Were you angry, you would be cancered (得癌症). B．Once you are angry, you must be cancered. C．Angry as you are often, you can't be cancered, D．Anger may cause you a cancer. 3．Expressing anger violently _________ repressing it according to some scientists. A．is just the same as B．is more harmful than C．is no better than D．is much better than 4．According to the author, you'd better _________. A．never be angry B．cool it down before you express it C．laugh and laugh when you get angry D．admit you are wrong when you are angry 二
高考英语阅读理解专项训练100篇 (名师传授解题技巧+实战练习，值得下载) 一、阅读理解解题技巧 阅读理解题是考查学生对活的语言材料的理解能力，即通过阅读材料获得信息的能力。具体说来，阅读理解能力测试的主要要求是：（1）掌握所读材料的主旨大意，以及用以说明主旨大意的事实和细节；（2）既理解具体事实，也理解抽象的概念；（3）既理解字面意思，也理解深层含义，包括作者的态度、意图等；（4）既理解某句、某段的意义，也理解全篇的逻辑关系，并能根据文章进行推理和判断；（5）既能根据材料所提供的信息去理解，也能结合中学生应有的常识去理解。根据这几项能力测试的要求，试题中常采用如下几种题型：事实询问题、推理判断题、数据推算题、识图解意题和主旨大意题。根据这一测试要求和题型设计，答题时可以采取如下解题技巧和对策。 1．首先解题时要充满自信。由于平时有些同学对做阅读理解时存在一种畏惧心理，因此考试做题时心理就难免会产生紧张感，特别是阅读时再遇到几个生词就头脑发胀，从而使自己的思路更加模糊不清。其实这是完全没有必要的，因为阅读中遇到几个生词或几个难以理解的句子是常有的事，也是正常现象。因为按大纲要求，试卷中允许有不超过3%的生词，只要认真分析，仔细阅读，这些生词和句子很可能并不影响你的解题。所以答题之前首先要有必胜的信心。 2．扫读全文，理解全文主旨大意。拿到一篇文章，首先要快速扫读全文，虽为扫读，但不可漫不经心，阅读时也应聚精会神，力求可能多地获取材料信息，只是这次遇到生词和难句先不必去处理，不要因纠缠文中的个别生词和难句而影响了对全文的主旨大意的了解。
3．对症下药，各个击破。了解全文的大概意思之后，再把短文的问题简单看一遍，弄懂题意，然后带着问题再去寻读全文。这次阅读过程中要善于抓文章中的关键词句。寻读也就是迅速的查找需要了解的信息，是为某些特定的问题而阅读，因此阅读时要有较强的针对性，对与问题有关的数据，词句等仔细阅读，认真理解，同时结合不同考查内容的题型，采取如下解题对策： （1）事实询问题：这类试题通常是以疑问词what，who，when，where，why，how 等引起的特殊问句，就文章中某一词语、某一句子、某一段落或某一具体细节和事实进行提问。解答此类试题首先要弄清题目和每一个选项的含义，然后按题目要求寻找与之相关的细节，正确估计答案来源，同时注意题目和文章中的暗示作用。特别注意辨别各种信息，确认各种信息。 （2）推理判断题：此题要求我们通过表面文字信息去推测文章隐含的意思，对文章的发展情节及作者的态度、意图等做出合乎逻辑的的推理判断。这种题要求我们在阅读时要抓住文章的主题和细节、从分析文章的结构入手，根据上下文的内在联系，充分挖掘文章的深层含义。对暗含在文章中事件的因果关系，人物的动机，以及作者未言明的倾向、态度、意图、观点进行合乎逻辑的推理、分析和判断。同时善于抓住文中实质性的东西，不要被带假象的表面信息或似是而非的东西所迷惑。并且注意推断作者态度时要力求从作者的态度、观点去思考，切勿想当然，凭个人的观点习惯看法来回答的问题。 （3）数据推算题：此题要求我们就文章提供的数据，以及数据与文章中其他信息的关系做出计算和推断，然后做出选择。这就要求我们解题时，要在理解好题意的前提下去对与数据有关的信息认真分析，若数据信息较多，还要注意弄清数据之间的关系，同时分清有用与无用信息，最终作出正确判断。 （4）主旨大意题：此题用以考查我们对文章主题或中心思想的领会和理解能力。在解答此类试题时要注意每段的中心句，抓住每一段的主题句。一般主题句都用来表达一段主旨大意，因此，只要找准每段的主题句，文章的中心思想和文章的最佳标题也就不难确定了。
2013高考英语真题特色题型详解―阅读七选五(六选五) 一、(2013课标卷I) 第二节（共5小题；每小题3分，满分15分） 根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。 Business is the organized approach to providing customers with the goods and services they want. The word business also refers to an organization that provides these goods and services. Most businesses seek to make a profit（利润）— that is, they aim to achieve income that is more than the costs of operating the business. 71 Commonly called nonprofits, these organizations are primarily nongovernmental service providers. 72 Business management is a term used to describe the techniques of planning, direction, and control of the operations of a business. 73 One is the establishment（制定） of broad basic policies with respect to production; sales; the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies; and accounting. 74 The third relates to the establishment of standards of work in all departments. Direction is concerned primarily with supervision （监管）and guidance by the management in authority. 75 A. Control includes the use of records and reports to compare actual work with the set standards for work. B. In this connection there is the difference between top management and operative management. C. Examples of nonprofit business include such organizations as social service agencies and may hospitals. D. However, some businesses only seek to earn enough to cover their operating costs. E. The second aspect relates to the application of these policies by departments. F. In the theory of business management, organization has two main aspects. G. Planning in business management has three main aspects. 本文是一篇讨论商务和商务管理的说明文。虽然看似有很多专业术语，但是根据我们常说的“指路词”，以及对上下文的推理，其实要做出正确答案并不难，可谓是难度中等。 文章第一段描述了business的两个含义：一是提供顾客所要商品和服务的方法；二是提供这些商品和服务的组织。文展第二段则细述了商务管理是用来描述计划、指导以及控制公司运作技巧
一、高中英语阅读理解 1．阅读理解 Yellowstone National Park is the flagship of the National Park Service and a favorite to millions of visitors each year. The park is a major destination for all members of the family. By driving the grand loop road, visitors can view the park from the comfort of their vehicle and also take a rest at one of the many roadside picnic areas. How much is the entrance fee? $25 - Private, noncommercial vehicle; $20 - Motorcycle or snowmobile (winter); $12 - Visitors 16 and older entering by foot, bike, ski, etc. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. A $50 park annual pass provides entrance for a single private non-commercial vehicle at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The $10 Interagency Senior Pass (62 and older) is a lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Where can you stay? Inside Yellowstone, you can choose to stay in modern or historic hotels and cabins inside the park like the Old Faithful Inn, the world's largest log structure. For those who want to be a little closer to nature, there are 12 campgrounds with a range of services from primitive pit toilets to shower and laundry facilities. There's also RV camping with and without dumping stations. Staying outside the park gives you unique Old West experiences but still keeps you close to park attractions. If you're taking a road trip to Yellowstone, you'll want to check out our Hotels and Cabins On The Road section. （1）The entrance fees listed on the web page don't apply to _______. A. temporary residents in the USA B. vehicles involving business activities C. visitors out of a certain age range D. private motorcycles and snowmobiles （2）What are you likely to acquire in the Old Faithful Inn? A. Unique old west experiences. B. Primitive pit toilets and shower. C. Knowledge of origin of the park. D. RV camping with dumping sites. （3）Where does the passage probably come from? A. A magazine. B. A textbook. C. A notice. D. A travel guide. 【答案】（1）B （2）C （3）D 【解析】【分析】本文是一篇应用文，介绍了黄石公园的门票以及可以选择的住宿及游玩的地方。 （1）考查细节理解。根据小标题“How much is the entrance fee?”下分别列出了私家非商务车入园的价格，摩托车或雪地车（冬季）入园的价格以及16岁以上的人步行、骑自行车或
高考英语阅读理解专项训练及答案及解析 一、高中英语阅读理解 1．阅读理解 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining global popularity. According to a government white paper, TCM has been introduced in 183 countries and regions around the world. Westerners' understanding of TCM, however, may be limited to acupuncture, cupping and massage(针灸，拔罐和按摩). For instance, the purple, injury-like marks left on U. S. swimmer Michael Phelps，back from cupping for the purpose of relaxing his muscles and reducing pain became the center of attention during the Rio Olympics in 2016. As a matter of fact, Chinese herbs play a more important role in getting rid of diseases and keeping the body in good condition in the TCM treatment system than physical treatment. It is therefore disheartening to know that while 103 World Health Organization member countries have given approval to the practice of acupuncture, not many recognize Chinese herbal medicine. TCM falls far behind Western medicine owing partly to the slow development of Chinese herbs. Herbs are made into pills, powder and soup, and the kind of herbs used, their quality and quantity, and the processing of the ingredients (原材料) jointly determine the effectiveness of the prescription. Compared with Western medicine, which has standardized drug production processes and treatment methods, TCM lacks standardization, with the chemical composition and functions of its medicines being unclear and their effects being unstable. Fortunately, standardization has improved in recent decades, with an increasing number of factories producing patented TCM drugs. Another factor that has prevented the development of TCM prescription drugs is the lack of creativity. While Western medicine-making companies come up with new products every year, TCM drug producers tend to make medicines according to prescriptions handed down from the past. Chinese chemist Tu Youyou's winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her research into malaria (疟疾) treatment may drive creativity to some extent in China's TCM industry. However, the current state of affairs cannot be changed within a short time. （1）Why does the author mention the example of Michael Phelps? A. Because he was injured in his swimming. B. Because cupping is a kind of important TCM treatment. C. Because westerners know a little about TCM. D. Because westerners attach great importance to TCM. （2）Why don't some member countries of WHO recognize Chinese herbal medicine? A. Because Chinese herbs can get rid of diseases. B. Because they only approve the practice of acupuncture. C. Because Western medicine is more effective. D. Because medicine made out of Chinese herbs develops slowly. （3）Compared with Western medicine, what is the weak point of TCM in Paragraph 4? A. The methods of planting herbs. B. The effectiveness of prescription. C. Lacking in standardization. D. Its stable functions.
（英语）高三英语阅读理解专项训练及答案 一、高中英语阅读理解 1．阅读理解 The setting was a packed gymnasium just before the start of a game against another school. There were five girls who were members of the Danville High School basketball team—all of them starters. They were not in uniform to play that night and would not be on the team for the rest of this season. They were there to admit their breaking of team rules. They were there to support their coach's decision to take them off the team. They were there to let the town know there was a problem in their little community that needed to be addressed. And they did it with sincere regret rather than defensiveness. While the school had been out for the New Year's holiday, the five girls had gone to the party with several of their friends. There was alcohol there. And they all drank some. Coach Rainville has a zero tolerance rule on drugs and alcohol for her members though it was a hard decision to make. When classes resumed and accounts of holiday parties were shared, rumors about the five girls began closing in on them. The coach said she couldn't back down on her rules. And the players—two junior students and three senior students—agreed. That night in the gym was part of their public support of the coach's decision. “We hope you will understand that we are not bad kids. What we did was definitely not worth it. We hope this event will make everyone realize that there is a big drug and alcohol problem in our community,” one of the senior students said, “And if you work with us to try to solve this problem, you will help us feel that we have not been thrown off our basketball team for nothing.” The five left the floor to deafening applause. The team may not win another game this year. But they've learnt something about personal responsibility, the effect of one's action on others, and honesty that will serve them well throughout life. （1）It can be inferred from the passage that the five girls who were kicked off the team were ________. A. very good players on the team B. addicted to alcohol and drugs C. three junior students and two senior students D. scolded by their parents for drinking alcohol （2）What did the girls do to support their coach's decision? A. They didn't fight for Danville High School any more. B. They all gave speeches to apologize in the local press. C. They admitted their mistake in public in the gymnasium. D. They would never drink any alcohol throughout their life. （3）Which word best describes the coach Rainville? A. Indifferent. B. Strict. C. Stubborn. D. Cruel. （4）Which would be the best title for the passage? A. Growing up with pain B. A bad mistake C. Team rules are everything D. Basketball girls in high school 【答案】（1）A
Fear and its companion pain are two of the most useful things that man and animals possess if they are used. If fire didn’t hurt when it burned, children would play with it until their hands were burned away. Similarly, if pain existed but fear didn’t, a child could burn itself again and again because fear would not warn it to keep away from the fire that had burnt it before. A really fearless soldier—and some do exist—is not a good soldier because he is soon killed; and a dead soldier is of no use to his army. Fear and pain are therefore two guards without which man and animals might soon die out. In our first sentence we suggested that fear ought to be properly used. If, for example, you never go out of your house because of the danger of being knocked down and killed in the street by a car, you are letting fear rule you too much. The important thing is not to let fear rule you, but instead, to use fear as your servant and guide. Fear will warn you of dangers; then you have to decide what action to take. In many cases, you can take quick and successful action to avoid the danger. For example, you see a car coming straight towards you; fear warns you, you jump out of the way, and all is well. In some cases, however, you decide that there is nothing that you can do to avoid the danger. For example, you cannot prevent an airplane crashing into your house, and you may not want to go and live in a desert where there are no airplanes. In this case, fear has given you its warning, you have examined it and decided on your course of action, so fear of the particular danger is no longer of any use to you, and you have to try to overcome it. 1. Children would play with fire until their hands are burnt away if _________. A. they were not well educated at school B. they had never played with fire before C. they had no sense of pain D. they were fearful of pain 2. People sometimes succeed in timely avoiding danger because _________.
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。 A 1. The word “homework” in the first paragraph refers to ______. A. work that is given by teachers for students to do at home B. Websites such as https://www.doczj.com/doc/1316586819.html, and https://www.doczj.com/doc/1316586819.html, C. tools and suggestions offered by websites D. market research and informal research
2. The underlined sentence in the passage means that you’d better ask for a raise ______. A. when the employer has a normal pulse rate B. when the employer is in a good mood C. when the company has a good financial situation D. when the company’s practices are more flexible 3. Which of the following is NOT true? A. The employer will give you a raise because of your personal reasons. B. You should show them that you’re worthy of a salary increase. C. You can tell your boss the exact number of salary increase you want D. Schedule a meeting with your boss but don’t push too hard. 4. It can be inferred in the last paragraph that ______. A. If your boss won’t give you a raise, you’d better take fewer responsibilities. B. It is a wise way to get a raise by letting your boss know you are doing more. C. Only if you find a proper time to talk with your boss will you get a raise. D. You should schedule a meeting within a few months to discuss the matter again. B Here’s one number to keep in mind during your next cell phone conversation: 50. A new experiment shows that spending 50 minutes with an active phone pressed up to the ear increases activity in the brain. This brain activity probably doesn't make you smarter. When cell phones are on, they emit (发出) energy in the form of radiation that could be harmful, especially after years of cell phone usage. Scientists don't know yet whether cell phones are bad for the brain. Studies like this one are attempting to find it out. The 47 participants in the experiment may have looked a little strange. Each one had two Samsung cell phones attached to his or her head — one on each ear. The phone on the left ear was off. The phone on the right ear played a message for 50 minutes, but the participants couldn't hear it because the sound was off. With this set-up, the scientists could be sure they were studying brain activity from the phone itself, and not brain activity due to listening and talking during a conversation. After 50 minutes with two phones strapped to their heads, the participants were given PET scans. The PET scan showed that the left side (the side with the phone turned off) of each participant's brain hadn't changed during the experiment. The right side of the brain, however, had used more glucose, which is a type of sugar that provides fuel to brain cells. These right-side brain cells were using almost as much glucose as the brain uses when a person is talking. This suggests th at the brain cells there were active ― even without the person hearing anything. That activity, the scientists say, was probably caused by radiation from the phone. Henry Lai, who works at the University of Washington in Seattle, is uncomfortable with the data related to cell phones. Holding a cell phone to your ear during a conversation is “not really safe,” Lai told Science News. Lai is a bioengineer at the University of Washington in Seattle. He wrote an article about the new study for a journal, but he did not work on the study. Bioengineers bring together ideas from engineering and biology. For those who don't want to wait to find out for sure whether cell phones are bad for the brain, there are ways to talk more safely. You can have short and sweet conversations, use a