2203.It seems every major city and town around the world hosts an annual marathon,with thousands of athletes running a gruelling 42.1 kilometres.While many runners' motivation is to beat their personal best and cross the finishing line without collapsing,they're also doing it for a good cause-to generate funds for charity.But like other major events,the marathon also generates a massive carbon footprint.Thousands travel -some by plane-to the location,and waste from food packaging and goody bags gets left behind by spectators and runners.This is becoming a big issue for cities-how to host a worthwhile event,encouraging people to exercise and help charities,while protecting the environment?Several cities have developed formal plans to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable (可持續(xù)的) ideas.One event in Wales,for example,introduced recycling for old running kit. It's something that this year's London Marathon tried to tackle by reducing the number of drink stations on the running route,giving out water in paper cups and offering some drinks in eatable seaweed capsules.They also trialled new bottle belts made from recycled plastic so 700 runners could carry water bottles with them during their run.London Marathon event director Hugh Brasner told the BBC: "There are a lot of initiatives (倡議) we are using this year that we think will lead to some huge behavioural changes in the future." Meanwhile,some people still think running a marathon could be our best foot forward in helping the planet.Dr Andrea Collins from Cardiff University told the BBC: "Training for a marathon makes you more sustainable in day-to-day activities.I started walking or running to work every day and shunning public transport altogether.Being environmentally friendly while training sticks with you and becomes a way of life. "
(1)Why do many people enter for a marathon?
A.To achieve their own ambitions. B.To generate a massive carbon footprint. C.To improve themselves both physically and mentally. D.To challenge their personal limitations and raise money for charities. (2)What did Hugh Brasner think of this year's London Marathon?
A.It may bring a large profit to London. B.It saved a lot of water resources and power. C.It may improve people's behaviour in the future. D.It may make Londoners more friendly when running a marathon. (3)Which of the following can replace the underlined word "shunning" in the last paragraph?
A.Damaging. B.Avoiding. C.Choosing. D.Changing. (4)What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A.Running a marathon can make more money. B.Running a marathon can do great damage to the earth. C.Running a marathon can change people's life completely. D.Running a marathon can contribute to protecting the earth.
2205.The man who could see the future The ability to predict the future is a rare talent.American author Isaac Asimov(1920-1992),one of the great science fiction writers of his age,had such a talent.(1)
Now that we're here,let's see what he got right. (2)
Asimov thought computers would cause a revolution comparable to the industrial revolution of the 19th century.Specifically,he said that "mobile computerized objects" would be an important part of everyday life.Here,he clearly predicted our world of smartphones,tables and other devices.He also had a great deal to say about space exploration.(3)
How did Asimov develop his special sense of future developments?(4)
He read the newspapers and magazines sold in his parents' candy store.His scientific interest gained sharper focus at Columbia University in New York.Asimov went to study chemistry,but became bored with pure laboratory science.Instead,he thought hard about the social implications(作用) of science.He wanted to communicate his ideas to the public. (5)
Asimov had his finger on the pulse of both scientific and social change.He had a clear vision of what was coming around the corner for humanity in his works like the Galactic Empire series."His predictions are absolutely fascinating," Calum Chase,an English writer,told BBC News. "He was a genius."
A.As a smart boy,Asimov taught himself to read at the age of five. B.Space exploration really can make our life more convenient and comfortable. C.Back in 1983,he was asked to predict what the world would look like in 2019. D.On the role that computing would play in the future,he was amazingly accurate. E.Asimov has developed a great interest in computer programming since childhood. F.As an author,his books would feature the theme of social change caused by technology. G.The International Space Station proves his prediction that we would not simply visit space but seek to stay there.