In the dry deserts of Northwest China, a special greenhouse is growing fresh vegetables and sweet strawberries all year round. Built in Xinjiang in 2023, this smart farm uses new technology to fight harsh conditions like heat, sand, and water shortages.
Instead of soil, plants grow in water mixed with nutrients — a method called hydroponics. Sensors control temperature, humidity, and water automatically (自动地). Workers like Eli Kerim, a local farmer, now check data screens instead of doing heavy outdoor work. “I’ve learned new skills and worked with experts,” says Eli. The farm also creates jobs, raising workers’ incomes by 40,000 yuan a year.
In another part of Xinjiang, vertical (垂直的) farming takes up less space. Crops like tomatoes and leafy greens grow on 10-layer shelves that spin to catch sunlight evenly. Agronomist Yan Ji explains, “Machines help us care for plants without bending or squatting (蹲) all day.” These methods use less water, avoid pesticides, and grow healthier crops.
Manager Zhang Yaping shares, “We grow what people want. Our strawberries sold out fast!” The farm also supports nearby villages by paying rent and sharing profits. Experts like Li Xiandong believe smart farms can expand crop production and improve local economies.
Thanks to technology, Xinjiang now has over 1.2 million modern farming projects. By turning deserts into productive land, these innovations offer hope for a greener future. As Yan says, “High-tech makes farming easier and better for everyone.”
原创编写 版权所有 侵权必究！ 每日更新 个性化阅读 英语飙升！
1.1. What does the underlined word “harsh” mean in the passage?
A Comfortable.
B Natural.
C Difficult.
D Simple.
解析：选C。C 词义猜测题。根据第一段划线词后文的“like heat, sand, and water shortages”高温、沙尘和缺水可推断，“harsh”意为“严酷的”，与difficult同义。故选C。
2.2. Which of the following is TRUE about hydroponics?
A It needs soil.
B Plants are outdoors.
C Plants grow in water.
D It requires no workers.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第二段可知，“hydroponics”指的是“plants grow in water mixed with nutrients”（在混合营养的水中种植植物）。故选C。
3.3. What is an advantage of vertical farming?
A Saving space.
B Using more pesticides.
C Needing more sunlight.
D Requiring more bending work.
解析：选A。A 细节理解题。第三段首句指出垂直农业takes up less space（节省空间）。故选A。
4.4. How does the smart farm support nearby villages?
A By providing free strawberries.
B By paying rent and sharing profits.
C By teaching farming skills.
D By building new greenhouses.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。第四段明确提到“The farm also supports nearby villages by paying rent and sharing profits.”（支付租金和分享利润）。故选B。
5.5. What is the best title for the passage?
A Traditional Farming in Xinjiang.
B Challenges of Desert Farming.
C Smart Farms: Transforming Deserts.
D The Future of Strawberry Production.
解析：选C。C 主旨大意题。全文围绕新疆的智能农场利用技术改造沙漠、实现农业生产的主题，选项C涵盖核心内容（智能农场+改造沙漠）。故选C。
