Embarking on a whirlwind tour of Congress，former U．S．Vice President Al Gore testified before several Senate and House of Representatives committees today，insisting on decisive action to curb global warmin9．①Speaking to overflow crowds，Gore urged lawmakers to solve the climate crisis-一a message that drew praise and some skepticism，from members of Congress．examda.
At times，Gore appeared to be replaying scenes from his Oscar-winning documentary，An Inconvent Truth．He painted a bleak picture of Earth’s future，warning that rising levels of carbon dioxide couId haye calamitous effects，such as increased intensity of hurricanes，more intense droughts， and the drowning of coastal cities． examda.
But Gore diverged from his talking points to offer his thoughts on how to deal with what he called“the most serious[crisis]we’ve ever faced．Among his recommendations were an immediate cap on carbon dio)dioxide emissions；by 2050，Gore said he would like to see a 90％reduction of carbon dioxide levels．
Congress appeared largely receptive to his ideas．but not everyone was soId—to put it mildly．“We need to be careful when we talk about so-called scientific facts，”said Representative Joe Barton． Barton presented historical evidence to refute Gore’s assertion that carbon dioxide concentrations preceded temperature rises．“0n this point，Mr．Vice President，you’re not just off a little．You’re totally wrong．” examda.
Gore shot back that scientific consensus on climate change was behind him，and that the government must act auickly．“The planet has a fever，”he said．“If your baby has a fever，you go to the doctor．If the doctor says yOU need to intervene here，you don’t say，‘Well，I read a science fiction novel that told me it’s not a problem．’If the crib’s on fire，you don’t speculate that the baby is flame retardant．You take action．”
Barton also criticized Gore’s recommendations on freezing carbon dioxide emissions．“tf we took that literallv,we can add no new industry，no new cars on the street，and apparently no new people．Every person emits 0．2 tons of carbon dioxide a year．” examda.
Whether Gore’s message wilt be as successful in Congress as it was at the Oscars remains uncertain．⑤But j udging by one of his most vocal opponents，the former vice president may have made some headwav．“Your ideas aren’t all bad，Mr．Vice President，”said Barton．“You list a number of thoughtful responses to global climate change for this committee to consider． [402 words]
1．Former U．S．Vice President Al Gore warns that______
A．much more intense droughts are inevitable,examda.
B．the intensity of hurricanes is to be increased
C．most coastal cities will be drowned sooner or later
D．the effects of global warming might be catastrophic
2．The attitude of Congress members toward Mr．Gore’s urge is______
A．either praiseful or skeptical,examda.
B．praiseful as well as skeptical
C．more praiseful than skeptical
D．more skeptical than praiseful
3．According to the text，Joe Barton______
A．is both stubborn and inflexible,examda.
B．doesn’t believe in scientific facts
C．refutes Mr．Gore’s urge rationally
D．opposes whatever Mr．Gore calls on
4．Mr Gore uses the example of a baby with a fever to illustrate that ______
A．science fiction novel isn’t a thing to rely
B．the fever that the earth has is serious and
C．there is a scientific consensus on climate change
D．a(chǎn)ction must be taken immediately to protect the earth
5．It is clear that Mr．Joe Barton is______
A．both receptive and critical to what Gore insisted on
B．uncertain whether Gore will be successful in
C．the most intelligent and insightful member in Congress
D．a(chǎn)lso worried about the effect of carbon dioxide emissions
難句透析
①[Embarking on a whirlwind tour of Congress]，former U．S．Vice President Al Gore testified before several Sen- ate and House of Representatives committees today，[insisting on decisive action tO curb global warming]．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】方括號所標(biāo)示的現(xiàn)在分詞短語“Embarking on…Congress”和“insisting on…warmin9”都用做狀語。
【釋義】美國前副總統(tǒng)戈爾旋風(fēng)似地在國會內(nèi)穿梭。今天，他在參眾兩院的幾個委員會講演，呼吁采取果斷行動抑制全球變暖。
②He painted a bleak picture of Earth’S future，warning[that rising levels of carbon dioxide could have calamitous effects，such as increased intensity of hurricanes，more intense droughts，and the drowning of coastal cities]．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】方括號所標(biāo)示的“that rising levels…coastal cities”是現(xiàn)在分詞“warnin9”的賓語從句?！皊uch as”后面跟有三個并列的名詞短語。
【釋義】他為未來的地球繪制了一幅凄涼的畫面。他警告說，二氧化碳的增多會造成災(zāi)難性后果，比如：更加肆虐的颶風(fēng)、更嚴(yán)重的干旱，以及淹沒海岸城市等。
③”Among his recommendations were an immediate cap on carbon dioxide emissions；by 2050，Gore said he would like to see a 90％reduction of carbon dioxide levels,examda．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】本句是由分號連接的兩個分句組成的并列句。第一個分句是倒裝句，其主語是“an immediate cap… emissions”，謂語動詞是“were”，表語“Among his recommendations”置于句首，以示強(qiáng)調(diào)。
【釋義】戈爾的一項建議是馬上限制二氧化碳排放。他說，他希望到2050年二氧化碳排放量減少90％。
④Gore shot back”[that scientific consensus on climate change was behind him]，and [that the government must act quickly]．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】用逗號和“and”連接的方括號所標(biāo)示的部分“that scientific consensus…h(huán)im”和“that the government must act quickly”是“shot back”的兩個并列的賓語從句。
【釋義】戈爾反駁說，他依據(jù)的是科學(xué)界對氣候變化的一致看法，政府必須馬上采取行動。
⑤[Whether Gore’S message will be successful in Congress as it was at the Oscars]remains uncertain．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】方括號所標(biāo)示的部分“Whether Gore’S message will be as successful in Congress as it was at the Oscars”是主語從句。主句的謂語動詞是“remains”。
【釋義】究竟戈爾的呼吁在國會能否像在奧斯卡上那樣取得成功，還難以預(yù)料。
答案注釋
1．根據(jù)第二段第二句“He painted fl bleak picture of Earth’s future，warning that rising levels of carbon dioxide could have calamitous effects…”可知，選項D應(yīng)為答案。
2．根據(jù)第一段第二句“…Gore urged…a message that drew praise，and some skepticism，from members of Con— gress”可知，選項B應(yīng)為答案。
3．根據(jù)第四段第三句“Barton presented historical evidence to refute Gore’s assertion that carbon dioxide concentra— tions preceded temperature rises”可知，選項C應(yīng)為答案。
4．根據(jù)第五段第一句“Gore shot back…that the government must act quickly”和最后一句“You take action”可知，選項D應(yīng)為答案。
5．根據(jù)第四段和第六段，可知Joe Barton對Gore的建議持批評態(tài)度；根據(jù)最后一段中的“You list a number of thoughtful responses to global climate change for this committee to consider”，可知Joe Barton對Gore的建議持歡迎態(tài)度。所以，選項A應(yīng)為答案。
全文翻譯
美國前副總統(tǒng)戈爾旋風(fēng)似地在國會內(nèi)穿梭。今天，他在參眾兩院的幾個委員會講演，呼吁采取果斷行動抑制全球變暖。對于戈爾解決氣候危機(jī)的迫切請求，國會成員有的表示贊同，有的則持懷疑態(tài)度。
有時，戈爾看起來像在重放其獲得奧斯卡獎的紀(jì)錄片《難以忽視的真相》。他為未來的地球繪制了一幅凄涼的畫面。他警告說，二氧化碳的增多會造成災(zāi)難性后果，比如：更加肆虐的颶風(fēng)、更嚴(yán)重的干旱，以及淹沒海岸城市等，考試大。
但是戈爾還就如何應(yīng)對其所謂的“我們有史以來最嚴(yán)重危機(jī)”提出建議。戈爾的一項建議是馬上限制二氧化碳排放。他說，他希望到2050年二氧化碳排放量減少90％。
說得婉轉(zhuǎn)一點，貌似國會絕大部分成員接受了他的意見，但并不是所有的人都接受。代表喬·巴頓指出：“我們在談?wù)撍^的科學(xué)事實時必須十分謹(jǐn)慎?！彼€列舉了歷史事實來反駁戈爾關(guān)于二氧化碳排放致氣溫升高的言論?！案笨偨y(tǒng)先生，在這一點上，您錯的不是一點點，您錯得很離譜?！?BR> 戈爾反駁說，他依據(jù)的是科學(xué)界對氣候變化的一致看法，政府必須馬上采取行動?；厮硎荆骸澳壳拔覀兊男乔虬l(fā)燒了。如果你們的孩子發(fā)燒了，你們會馬上去看醫(yī)生。假如醫(yī)生說說你需要介入，你決不會說‘但我看到的一篇科幻小說說這并沒有什么問題’。再者，如果嬰兒床起火了，你不會認(rèn)為孩子是阻燃荊，而會馬上采取行動?！?BR> 巴頓還批評戈爾關(guān)于禁止二氧化碳排放的建議：“如果我們嚴(yán)格執(zhí)行，我們就不能再發(fā)展新的工業(yè)，不能有新的汽車行駛在馬路上，甚至不能有新的人口，因為每個人每年只能排放0．2噸的二氧化碳?！?BR> 究竟戈爾的呼吁在國會能否像在奧斯卡上那樣取得成功，還難以預(yù)料。但根據(jù)他針鋒相對的對手來判斷，前剮總統(tǒng)可能已經(jīng)有所進(jìn)展。巴頓指出：“副總統(tǒng)先生，您的建議并不是全都不好，你至少提出一系列針對全球氣候改變的深度思考以供國會考慮。
超綱詞匯
embark on v．從事，著手
testify vi．／vt．證明，證實，作證
curb vt．抑制，控制
bleak n．荒涼的，凄涼的，黯淡的
calamitous adj．多災(zāi)難的，不幸的
hurricane n．颶風(fēng)，狂風(fēng)
diverge vi．分歧，差異
precede vi．／vt．先于…，在…之前
consensus n．意見一致，多數(shù)人的意見，輿論
intervene v干涉，干預(yù)，插入，介入
crib n．嬰兒床
retardant n．阻止劑
vocal adj聲的，聲音的
headway n．前進(jìn)，進(jìn)展
參考答案：1．D Z．B 3．C 4．D 5．A
At times，Gore appeared to be replaying scenes from his Oscar-winning documentary，An Inconvent Truth．He painted a bleak picture of Earth’s future，warning that rising levels of carbon dioxide couId haye calamitous effects，such as increased intensity of hurricanes，more intense droughts， and the drowning of coastal cities． examda.
But Gore diverged from his talking points to offer his thoughts on how to deal with what he called“the most serious[crisis]we’ve ever faced．Among his recommendations were an immediate cap on carbon dio)dioxide emissions；by 2050，Gore said he would like to see a 90％reduction of carbon dioxide levels．
Congress appeared largely receptive to his ideas．but not everyone was soId—to put it mildly．“We need to be careful when we talk about so-called scientific facts，”said Representative Joe Barton． Barton presented historical evidence to refute Gore’s assertion that carbon dioxide concentrations preceded temperature rises．“0n this point，Mr．Vice President，you’re not just off a little．You’re totally wrong．” examda.
Gore shot back that scientific consensus on climate change was behind him，and that the government must act auickly．“The planet has a fever，”he said．“If your baby has a fever，you go to the doctor．If the doctor says yOU need to intervene here，you don’t say，‘Well，I read a science fiction novel that told me it’s not a problem．’If the crib’s on fire，you don’t speculate that the baby is flame retardant．You take action．”
Barton also criticized Gore’s recommendations on freezing carbon dioxide emissions．“tf we took that literallv,we can add no new industry，no new cars on the street，and apparently no new people．Every person emits 0．2 tons of carbon dioxide a year．” examda.
Whether Gore’s message wilt be as successful in Congress as it was at the Oscars remains uncertain．⑤But j udging by one of his most vocal opponents，the former vice president may have made some headwav．“Your ideas aren’t all bad，Mr．Vice President，”said Barton．“You list a number of thoughtful responses to global climate change for this committee to consider． [402 words]
1．Former U．S．Vice President Al Gore warns that______
A．much more intense droughts are inevitable,examda.
B．the intensity of hurricanes is to be increased
C．most coastal cities will be drowned sooner or later
D．the effects of global warming might be catastrophic
2．The attitude of Congress members toward Mr．Gore’s urge is______
A．either praiseful or skeptical,examda.
B．praiseful as well as skeptical
C．more praiseful than skeptical
D．more skeptical than praiseful
3．According to the text，Joe Barton______
A．is both stubborn and inflexible,examda.
B．doesn’t believe in scientific facts
C．refutes Mr．Gore’s urge rationally
D．opposes whatever Mr．Gore calls on
4．Mr Gore uses the example of a baby with a fever to illustrate that ______
A．science fiction novel isn’t a thing to rely
B．the fever that the earth has is serious and
C．there is a scientific consensus on climate change
D．a(chǎn)ction must be taken immediately to protect the earth
5．It is clear that Mr．Joe Barton is______
A．both receptive and critical to what Gore insisted on
B．uncertain whether Gore will be successful in
C．the most intelligent and insightful member in Congress
D．a(chǎn)lso worried about the effect of carbon dioxide emissions
難句透析
①[Embarking on a whirlwind tour of Congress]，former U．S．Vice President Al Gore testified before several Sen- ate and House of Representatives committees today，[insisting on decisive action tO curb global warming]．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】方括號所標(biāo)示的現(xiàn)在分詞短語“Embarking on…Congress”和“insisting on…warmin9”都用做狀語。
【釋義】美國前副總統(tǒng)戈爾旋風(fēng)似地在國會內(nèi)穿梭。今天，他在參眾兩院的幾個委員會講演，呼吁采取果斷行動抑制全球變暖。
②He painted a bleak picture of Earth’S future，warning[that rising levels of carbon dioxide could have calamitous effects，such as increased intensity of hurricanes，more intense droughts，and the drowning of coastal cities]．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】方括號所標(biāo)示的“that rising levels…coastal cities”是現(xiàn)在分詞“warnin9”的賓語從句?！皊uch as”后面跟有三個并列的名詞短語。
【釋義】他為未來的地球繪制了一幅凄涼的畫面。他警告說，二氧化碳的增多會造成災(zāi)難性后果，比如：更加肆虐的颶風(fēng)、更嚴(yán)重的干旱，以及淹沒海岸城市等。
③”Among his recommendations were an immediate cap on carbon dioxide emissions；by 2050，Gore said he would like to see a 90％reduction of carbon dioxide levels,examda．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】本句是由分號連接的兩個分句組成的并列句。第一個分句是倒裝句，其主語是“an immediate cap… emissions”，謂語動詞是“were”，表語“Among his recommendations”置于句首，以示強(qiáng)調(diào)。
【釋義】戈爾的一項建議是馬上限制二氧化碳排放。他說，他希望到2050年二氧化碳排放量減少90％。
④Gore shot back”[that scientific consensus on climate change was behind him]，and [that the government must act quickly]．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】用逗號和“and”連接的方括號所標(biāo)示的部分“that scientific consensus…h(huán)im”和“that the government must act quickly”是“shot back”的兩個并列的賓語從句。
【釋義】戈爾反駁說，他依據(jù)的是科學(xué)界對氣候變化的一致看法，政府必須馬上采取行動。
⑤[Whether Gore’S message will be successful in Congress as it was at the Oscars]remains uncertain．
【結(jié)構(gòu)】方括號所標(biāo)示的部分“Whether Gore’S message will be as successful in Congress as it was at the Oscars”是主語從句。主句的謂語動詞是“remains”。
【釋義】究竟戈爾的呼吁在國會能否像在奧斯卡上那樣取得成功，還難以預(yù)料。
答案注釋
1．根據(jù)第二段第二句“He painted fl bleak picture of Earth’s future，warning that rising levels of carbon dioxide could have calamitous effects…”可知，選項D應(yīng)為答案。
2．根據(jù)第一段第二句“…Gore urged…a message that drew praise，and some skepticism，from members of Con— gress”可知，選項B應(yīng)為答案。
3．根據(jù)第四段第三句“Barton presented historical evidence to refute Gore’s assertion that carbon dioxide concentra— tions preceded temperature rises”可知，選項C應(yīng)為答案。
4．根據(jù)第五段第一句“Gore shot back…that the government must act quickly”和最后一句“You take action”可知，選項D應(yīng)為答案。
5．根據(jù)第四段和第六段，可知Joe Barton對Gore的建議持批評態(tài)度；根據(jù)最后一段中的“You list a number of thoughtful responses to global climate change for this committee to consider”，可知Joe Barton對Gore的建議持歡迎態(tài)度。所以，選項A應(yīng)為答案。
全文翻譯
美國前副總統(tǒng)戈爾旋風(fēng)似地在國會內(nèi)穿梭。今天，他在參眾兩院的幾個委員會講演，呼吁采取果斷行動抑制全球變暖。對于戈爾解決氣候危機(jī)的迫切請求，國會成員有的表示贊同，有的則持懷疑態(tài)度。
有時，戈爾看起來像在重放其獲得奧斯卡獎的紀(jì)錄片《難以忽視的真相》。他為未來的地球繪制了一幅凄涼的畫面。他警告說，二氧化碳的增多會造成災(zāi)難性后果，比如：更加肆虐的颶風(fēng)、更嚴(yán)重的干旱，以及淹沒海岸城市等，考試大。
但是戈爾還就如何應(yīng)對其所謂的“我們有史以來最嚴(yán)重危機(jī)”提出建議。戈爾的一項建議是馬上限制二氧化碳排放。他說，他希望到2050年二氧化碳排放量減少90％。
說得婉轉(zhuǎn)一點，貌似國會絕大部分成員接受了他的意見，但并不是所有的人都接受。代表喬·巴頓指出：“我們在談?wù)撍^的科學(xué)事實時必須十分謹(jǐn)慎?！彼€列舉了歷史事實來反駁戈爾關(guān)于二氧化碳排放致氣溫升高的言論?！案笨偨y(tǒng)先生，在這一點上，您錯的不是一點點，您錯得很離譜?！?BR> 戈爾反駁說，他依據(jù)的是科學(xué)界對氣候變化的一致看法，政府必須馬上采取行動?；厮硎荆骸澳壳拔覀兊男乔虬l(fā)燒了。如果你們的孩子發(fā)燒了，你們會馬上去看醫(yī)生。假如醫(yī)生說說你需要介入，你決不會說‘但我看到的一篇科幻小說說這并沒有什么問題’。再者，如果嬰兒床起火了，你不會認(rèn)為孩子是阻燃荊，而會馬上采取行動?！?BR> 巴頓還批評戈爾關(guān)于禁止二氧化碳排放的建議：“如果我們嚴(yán)格執(zhí)行，我們就不能再發(fā)展新的工業(yè)，不能有新的汽車行駛在馬路上，甚至不能有新的人口，因為每個人每年只能排放0．2噸的二氧化碳?！?BR> 究竟戈爾的呼吁在國會能否像在奧斯卡上那樣取得成功，還難以預(yù)料。但根據(jù)他針鋒相對的對手來判斷，前剮總統(tǒng)可能已經(jīng)有所進(jìn)展。巴頓指出：“副總統(tǒng)先生，您的建議并不是全都不好，你至少提出一系列針對全球氣候改變的深度思考以供國會考慮。
超綱詞匯
embark on v．從事，著手
testify vi．／vt．證明，證實，作證
curb vt．抑制，控制
bleak n．荒涼的，凄涼的，黯淡的
calamitous adj．多災(zāi)難的，不幸的
hurricane n．颶風(fēng)，狂風(fēng)
diverge vi．分歧，差異
precede vi．／vt．先于…，在…之前
consensus n．意見一致，多數(shù)人的意見，輿論
intervene v干涉，干預(yù)，插入，介入
crib n．嬰兒床
retardant n．阻止劑
vocal adj聲的，聲音的
headway n．前進(jìn)，進(jìn)展
參考答案：1．D Z．B 3．C 4．D 5．A