A machine which makes water out of air could become the greatest household invention since the microwave． Using the same technology as a dehumidifier (除濕器)， the Water Mill is able to create a ready supply of drinking water by getting it from a limitless source－the air． The company behind the machine says not only does it offer all alterative to bottled water in developed countries，but it is a solution for the millions who face a daily water shortage．

The machine works by drawing in damp air through a filter(過(guò)濾器) and over a cooling element which changes it into water droplets．It can produce up to 12 liters a day．The Water Mill will also produce more water when storms pass over, as the humidity（濕度）in the air increases．In keeping with its ecodevelopment，the machine uses the same amount of electricity as three light bulbs．

  Inventor Jonathan Ritchey said：“The demand for water is off the chart．People are looking for freedom from water distribution systems that are shaky and unreliable”．

  The machine，which is about 3 feet wide，is likely to cost￡800 when it goes on sale here in the spring．Its maker, Canadian firm Element Four, estimates that a liter of water will cost around 20 pence to produce．

  Environmentalists claim half the world’s population will face water shortage because of climate change by 2080．One in five humans is said to lack access to safe drinking water．

  The Water Mill is not effective in areas with below about 30 percent relative humidity, but with average relative humidity in England of more than 70 percent that won’t be much of an issue here.

1.According to the author, the biggest advantage of the machine is its ______．

A．little power use  B．unlimited source  C．proper size  D．high production

2.We can conclude from the passage that the machine________．

A．can be used everywhere

B．has not been on sale

C．will replace the water distribution system

D．will solve the problem of water shortage

3.The underlined phrase “off the chart” in the passage means ________

A．record-breaking．  B．urgent．  C．unbelievable．D．a(chǎn)mazing．

4.What would be the best title for this passage?________

A．Microwave for Household Use     B．Filter to Draw in Damp Air         

C．Mode Dehumidifier on Sale        D．Machine to Make Water out of Air

In today's world, almost everyone knows that air pollution（污染）and water pollution are harmful to people's health. However, not all the persons know that noise is also a kind of pollution, and that is harmful to human health, too.
People who work and live under noisy conditions usually become deaf（聾）. Today, however, scientists believe that 10 percent of workers in Britain are being deafened by the noise where they work. Many of the workers who print newspapers and books, and who weave（織）cloth become deaf. Quite a few people living near airports also become deaf. Recently it was discovered that many teenagers in America could hear no better than 65-year-old persons, for these young people like to listen to pop music and most of pop music is a kind of noise. Besides, noise produced by jet planes or machines will make people's life difficult and unpleasant, or even make people ill or even drive them mad.
It is said that a continuous noise of over 85 decibels（分貝）can cause deafness. Now the governments in many countries have made laws to control noise and make it less than 85 decibels.
In China, the government is trying to solve not only air and water pollution problems but also noise pollution problems.
【小題1】 The text is mainly about _________ .

They had a pleasant chat ______ a cup of coffee．

1. A.
   for
2. B.
   with
3. C.
   during
4. D.
   over

The US/UK war against Iraq and the suffering _____ caused have become a big concern all over the world.
A. what       B. which       C. it        D. ×

Kleptomania is an illness of the mind that gives a person the desire to steal. Such a person is not really a thief. They are sick and cannot help themselves. All small children act naturally and as they grow up they normally learn to control their actions. People with Kleptomania for certain medical reasons have failed to develop control over their desire to take things that do not belong to them. With medical help they may become normal citizens again. The things that a Kleptomaniac steals are seldom of great value. They often give away what they have stolen or collect things without using them.

What is the topic of the text?

A. Young thieves.                 B. An unusual illness    

C. Reasons for stealing     D. A normal child's actions

From the text we learn that small children _______.

A. have little control over themselves          B. usually steal things but grow up honest   

C. are usually Kleptomaniacs            D. like to give things away

Which of the following word can best replace the word "desire" in the first sentence?

A. chance              B. power       C. right         D. wish

Kleptomaniacs usually steal things that

A. are valuable              B. are unimportant

C. their friends like       D. they themselves need