Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exp

Why should mankind explore space?Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching somethingwith so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space ratherthan on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that,understandably, are very often asked.

     Perhapsthe best answer lies in our genetic makeup(基因构成) as human beings. What drove ourancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possibleareas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better itschance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetictendency to expand wherever possible.

Nearly every successfulcivilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surroundingareas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may becompletely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects.

    Explorationalso allows minerals and other potential resources to be found. Even if we haveno immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may bemore than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquiredthrough exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which canimprove the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited fromother spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, insatellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Evennon-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副产品) of technologicaldevelopments in the space industry!

While many resources are spent onwhat seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave andintelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. Whilespace may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed orhow it works, it also holds dangers. The danger exists, but knowledge can helphuman beings to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chanceto save ourselves might not exist.

While Earth is the only planetknown to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us tolive on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, buthuman life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in thefuture.

1.Why does the author mention the questions inParagraph1?

    A. To expresshisdoubts.            B. To compare different ideas.

    C. Tointroduce points for discussion.   D. To describe the conditions on Earth.

2.What is the reason for exploring space basedon Paragraph2?

A. Humans are nature-born to doso.      B. Humans have the tendency to fight.

C. Humans may find new sources offood.  D. Humans don’t like to stay in the same place.

3.The underlined word “spin-offs” in Paragraph 4 probably refers to______.

    A. survivalchances                     B.potential resources

    C. unexpectedbenefits                  D.physical possessions

4.What makes it possible for humans to live onother planets?

    A. O    urgenetic makeup.                  B.Resources on the earth..

    C. Theadaptive ability of humans.      D. By-products in spaceexploration.

5.Which of the statements can best sum up thepassage?

    A. Spaceexploration has created many wonders.

    B. Spaceexploration provides the best value for money.

    C.Spaceexploration can benefit science and technology

    D.Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth.

试题答案

【答案】

1.C

2.A

3.C

4.C

5.D

【解析】略