高考英语真题阅读（8）

Bacteria are an annoying problem for astronauts. The microorganisms (微生物) from our bodies grow uncontrollably on surfaces of the International Space Station, so astronauts spend hours cleaning them up each week. How is NASA overcoming this very tiny big problem? It’s turning to a bunch of high school kids. But not just any kids. It is depending on NASA HUNCH high school classrooms, like the one science teachers Gene Gordon and Donna Himmelberg lead at Fairport High School in Fairport, New York.

HUNCH is designed to connect high school classrooms with NASA engineers. For the past two years, Gordon’s students have been studying ways to kill bacteria in zero gravity, and they think they’re close to a solution (解决方案). “We don’t give the students any breaks. They have to do it just like NASA engineers,” says Florence Gold, a project manager.

“There are no tests,” Gordon says. “There is no graded homework. There almost are no grades, other than ‘Are you working towards your goal?’ Basically, it’s ‘I’ve got to produce this product and then, at the end of the year, present it to NASA.’ Engineers come and really do an in-person review, and… it’s not a very nice thing at times. It’s a hard business review of your product.”

Gordon says the HUNCH program has an impact (影响) on college admissions and practical life skills. “These kids are so absorbed in their studies that I just sit back. I don’t teach.” And that annoying bacteria? Gordon says his students are emailing daily with NASA engineers about the problem, readying a workable solution to test in space.

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1.What do we know about the bacteria in the International Space Station?

A They are hard to get rid of.

B They lead to air pollution.

C They appear in different forms.

D They damage the instruments.

解析：选A。细节理解题。根据第一段第二句The microorganisms from our bodies grow uncontrollably on surfaces of the International Space Station, so astronauts spend hours cleaning them up each week.可知细菌很难被清除，故选A。

2.What is the purpose of the HUNCH program?

A To strengthen teacher-student relationships.

B To sharpen students’ communication skills.

C To allow students to experience zero gravity.

D To link space technology with school education.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据第二段第一句HUNCH is designed to connect high school classrooms with NASA engineers.可知，HUNCH计划的目的是把太空技术与学校教育结合起来，故选D。

3.What do the NASA engineers do for the students in the program?

A Check their product.

B Guide project designs.

C Adjust work schedules.

D Grade their homework.

解析：选A。细节理解题。根据第三段Engineers come and really do an in-person review, and… it’s not a very nice thing at times. It’s a hard business review of your product.可知，NASA的工程师们会亲自检查学生们的作品，故选A。

4.What is the best title for the text?

A NASA: The Home of Astronauts

B Space: The Final Homework Frontier

C Nature: An Outdoor Classroom

D HUNCH: A College Admission Reform

解析：选B。主旨大意题。本文讲述的是美国一所中学与NASA合作的联合科研项目，让孩子们完成与太空技术相关的任务，故选B。