题型：阅读理解 题类：常考题 难易度：困难
广东省肇庆市鼎湖中学2017-2018学年高二上学期英语期中考试试卷（含听力音频）
For centuries, in the countries of South and Southeast Asia, the elephant has been an important part of the culture, economy and religion. And nowhere more so than in Thailand. Unlike its African cousin, the Asian elephant is easily domesticated. The rare socalled white elephants have actually lent the power of royalty to its rulers, and until the 1920s the national flag was a white elephant on a red background. To the early Western visitors, the country's romantic name was "Land of the White Elephant"．
Today, however, the story is very different. Out of work and out of land, the Thai elephant struggles for survival in a nation that no longer needs it. The elephant has found itself more or less deserted by previous owners who have moved on to a different economic world and a society in the western part. And while the elephant's problems began many years ago, now it has a very low national advantage.
How does the national symbol turn into ignored animals? It is a story of worse environment and the changing lives of the Thais themselves. According to Richard Lair, Thailand's expert on the Asian elephant and author of the report Gone Astray, at the turn of the last century, there may well have been as many as 100,000 national elephants in the country.
In the north of Thailand alone, it was estimated that more than 20,000 elephants were employed in transport, 1,000 of them alone on the road between the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen. This was at a time when 90 percent of Thailand was still forest—a habitat that not only supported the animals but also made them necessary to carry goods and people. Nothing ploughs through thick forest better than lots of surefooted elephants.
By 1950 the elephant population had dropped, but still to the number of 13,397. However, today there are probably no more than 3,800, with another 1,350 wandering free in the national parks. But now, Thailand's forest covers only 20 percent of the land. This deforestation (采伐森林) is the central point of the elephant's difficult situation, for it has effectively put the animals out of work. This century, as the road network grew, the elephant's role as a beast of burden decreased.
Venus, the Wildest Adventure in 3016!
A trip to the moon, to Mars? You are out. Venus (金星) is your choice! Our spaceship carries you there at the speed of light!
Amazing Venus Facts
Temperature range: ALWAYS about 450 degrees Celsius. Great for barbecues!
Seasons: No seasons. Always visit during best season!
Gravity strength: 0.91 of Earth's gravity. Makes you lighter and more alive than ever!
Water: NONE. All boiled away.
Day length: 1 day=243 Earth days. Longest days in solar system» so fun never ends!
Rate of turning: 0.002 km/second. Turns in opposite direction of the earth, so able to see sun rise in the west and set in the east.
Year length: 1 year=224.7 Earth days or 0.62 of an Earth year.
Rate of revolution: 35.03 km/second.
Atmosphere:
Very thick.
96% carbon dioxide; 3% nitrogen, and 0.1% water vapor.
Can't support life: Suffocating carbon dioxide, thick clouds of sulfuric acid, and gases create greenhouse effect so very hot and no water.
* Your Accommodations * ◎ You will travel on a high-tech rocket ship that will transport you from Earth to Venus in a mere 2.4 minutes by traveling at the speed of light. This trip will cost only $ 750,000. ◎ Our two hotels are very luxurious and are super strong, allowing you to lie on the ground without being crushed by the pressure of the atmosphere. They are called Venus Heaven and Rocket Palace, and the cost to stay is only $ 200 per night. You'll get your money's worth at these two hotels, receiving free meals every day. To book a trip, call 1 — 800. |
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