外研版（2019）高中英语必修第二册 Unit4_Starting_out_and_Understanding_ideas提升测评.docx

PAGE2 / NUMPAGES2 Unit4 Starting out and Understanding ideas提升测评 I.阅读理解 （2019江苏启东中学高一下期中） A scientist once said, “I have concluded that the earth is being visited by intelligently controlled vehicles from outer space.” If we take this as a reasonable explanation for UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), questions immediately come up. “Why don’t they get in touch with us, then? Why don’t they land right on the White House lawn and declare themselves?” people asked. In reply, scientists say that, while this may be what we want, it may not necessarily be what they want. “The most likely explanation, it seems to me,” said Dr. Mead, “is that they are simply watching what we are up to—that responsible society outside our solar system is keeping an eye on us to see that we don’t cause a chain reaction that might have unexpected effects on the outside of our solar system.” Opinions from other scientists might go like this: “Why should they want to get in touch with us? We may feel we’re more important than we really are! They may want to observe us only and not interfere（干涉）in the development of our civilization. They may not care if we see them but they also may not care to say ‘hello’.” Some scientists have also suggested that Earth is a kind of zoo or wildlife reserve. Just as we set aside wilderness areas and wildlife reserves to allow animal and growing things to develop naturally while we observe them, so perhaps Earth was set aside ages ago for the same purpose. Are we being observed by intelligent beings from other civilizations in the universe? Are they watching our progress in space travel? Do we live in a huge “zoo” observed by our “keepers”, but having no communication with them? Never before in our history have we had to face ideas bravely like these. The simple fact is that we, who have always regarded ourselves as supreme in the universe, may not be so. Now we have to recognize that, among the stars in the heavens, there may very well be worlds lived by b