上海高考 英语 阅读理解十

Section B

Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

Most people agree that the direct, assertive (过分自信的) American personality is a virtue, but it sometimes surprises foreigners. In many cultures, respect for older people or those in positions of 1 keeps others from expressing their true feelings. But in the US, children often argue with their parents, students may 2 with their teachers, and citizens may express opposition to the actions of the government. If the meat is too tough to chew, the diner can complain to the waiter; if the boss makes a mistake, an employee will 3 point it out.

Some straight talk about the American character must include the admission that Americans have their faults. The extremely 4 nature of Americans is probably their worst fault. Of course, competition isn’t always bad. As a matter of fact, it can 5 excellence by encouraging individuals and businesses to try to do their best. But the desire to get ahead of others sometimes causes people to do things that are unkind and even dishonest. Also, Americans admire what is practical, fast, efficient, and fresh. Sometimes they fail to understand and appreciate practices that have greater respect for more 6 , leisurely ways of doing things. On the other hand, people from other cultures may dislike the practical, 7 American lifestyles.

Despite culture differences, most foreigners give Americans credit for their virtues. Americans are 8 viewed as friendly, adaptable, energetic, and kindhearted. Most newcomers to the US like Americans, and the feeling is usually mutual(共有的). Perhaps the greatest American virtue is a deep interest in new ideas and new people. In a nation of 9 , the foreigner does not remain an outsider for long.

III. Reading Comprehension

Section A

Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.

When discussing the causes of animal endangerment, it is important to understand that individual species are not the only factors involved in this difficult situation. Endangerment is a broad 1 , one that involves the habitats(栖息地) and environments where species live and interact with one another. Although some measures are being taken to help specific cases of endangerment, the universal problem cannot be solved until humans 2 the natural environments where endangered species live. There are many reasons why a particular species may become endangered, but habitat destruction is on top.

Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a 3 pace, usually causing only a slight 4 on individual species. However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to 5 and adjust to new circumstances. This can create disastrous results, and for this reason, rapid habitat loss is the primary cause of species endangerment. The strongest 6 in rapid habitat loss are human beings. Nearly every region of the earth has been affected by human activity, particularly during this past century. The loss of microbes (微生物) in soils that 7 supported tropical forests, the 8 of fish and various aquatic species in polluted habitats, and changes in global climate brought about by the 9 of greenhouse gases are all results of human activity.

It can be difficult for an individual to 10 the effects that humans have had on specific species. It is hard to identify or predict human effects on individual species and habitats, especially during a human lifetime. But it is quite 11 that human activity has greatly 12 to species endangerment. 13 , although tropical forests may look as though they are thick and healthy, they are 14 highly susceptible (易受影响的）to destruction. This is because the soils in which they grow 15 nutrients. It may take centuries to re-grow a forest that was cut down by humans or destroyed by fire, and many of the world’s severely threatened animals and plants live in these forests. If the current rate of forest loss continues, huge quantities of plant and animal species will