The notion that we might need nuclear energy to stave off global warming makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy that began when Ronald Reagan took office in1981 and promptly removed Jimmy Carter’s solar panels from the White House roof. It was not simply a symbolic act. Reagan also slashed alternative energy funding so deeply that it virtually put the solar industry out of business.
Alternatives are hampered today because Reagan was doing then what Bush is doing now: serving the interests of big oil, which seeks to squeeze out every last drop of profit from fossil fuels. The war in Iraq and other foreign policy actions today continue with that aim.
And nuclear is not unlike oil in that it is a very centralized industry, controlled by a l’ew companies. It will enrich the few and further hamper progress for renewables. A decentralized energy future will be far better for an economy that wants to float all boats (not just yachts) while not having so many energy eggs in one basket. That nuclear might belong in the mix right now is only due to the climate predicament we are in because of our past sins. If undertaken at all, it should only be a bridge (a"necessary evil") to a future powered instead by many forms of safe, clean energy sources.
Much is happening now in that regard, spurred by our almost sudden acceptance that global warming is real. Seattle wants to harness ocean power and provide electricity for 60,000 homes. SirniIar projects are planned from Alaska to New York. Wind power has quadrupled since 2000 and, though wind is now only one percent of the U.S. power grid, it is poised for a quantum leap; offshore wind projects are in various stages of development in Maryland, Texas, Massachusetts, New York and elsewhere. Hydrogen- and electric-powered cars are also likely to come online more quickly than we imagined even five years ago.
Nuclear has far too many problems, not the least of which is its waste, which will only become a bigger problem if its use proliferates. The waste stays radioactive for thousands of years and has to be buried undergroimd. Even if plans for doing that are ever realized, deadly waste will need to be transported across the country, through communities, subjecting people to unacceptable risks. Nuclear is also still a large accident risk. Industry proponents claim that nuclear is safer today than ever before, but even a small malfunction or leak could have devastating effects. And even if Chernobyl-style meltdowns are not likely, nuclear facilities still emit low-level radiation, a potentially serious public health concern. [448 words]
1. The author thinks that the use of nuclear energy ______.
A. hampers global warming effectively
B. to avoid global warming is doubtful
C. is inevitable with the shortage of oil
D. is necessary to evade global warming
2. By saying "It is a self-fulfilling prophecy" (Line 2, Paragraph 1), the author implies that it will become true that ______.
A. nuclear energy is used more widely than today
B. solar panels are promptly removed from roofs
C. oil is to a large extent replaced by alternatives
D. alternative energy funding is further curtailed
3. President Bush is quite similar to Ronald Reagan in that he ______.
A. makes the most of fossil fuels for profit
B. cuts alternative energy funding deeply
C. puts the solar industry out of business
D. serves the interests of oil monopolies
4. To alleviate global warming, various forms of safe, clean energy sources will be used in the future, a possible bridge to which is ______.
A. wind power projects
B. ocean power projects
C. nuclear power stations
D. hydrogen-powered vehicles
5. The author claims that nuclear ______.
A. subjects people to less risk
B. is not unlike oil in its waste
C. is much safer than ever before
D. impedes the use of renewables
難句透析
①It is a self-fulfilling prophecy[that began(when Ronald Reagan”took office in l981 and promptly removed Jimmy Carter’S solar panels from the White House roof)]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“that began…”用做“prophecy”的后置定語從句。圓括號所標示的“when Ronald Re agan took office…and promptly removed…roof”是時間狀語從句；其中，主語是“Ronald Reagan”，后面跟有兩個并列的謂語動詞“took”和“removed”。
【釋義】這是一種本身自會成為事實的預言。1981年羅納德·里根入主白宮，他馬上下令拆除吉米·卡特安裝在白宮屋頂上的太陽能接收板。那時就開始有了這種預言。
②Alternatives are hampered today[because Reagan was doing then(what Bush is doing now)：serving the inter— eats of big oil，(which seeks tO squeeze out every last drop of profit from fossil fuels)]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“because Reagan was doing then…”是原因狀語從句。圓括號所標示的“what Bush is doing now’’用做“was doing”的賓語從句。圓括號所標示的“which seeks…fossil fuels”用做“big oil”的后置定語從句。
【釋義】今天的布什與當年的里根，所作所為如出一轍，那就是為石油大亨的利益服務，他們要從化石燃料中榨干最后一滴利潤。因此，替代能源的發(fā)展依然受阻。
③A decentralized energy future will be far better for an economy[that wants to float all boats(not just yachts)] while not having SO many energy eggs in one basket．
【結構】方括號所標示的“that wants to float all boats…”用做“economy”的后置定語從句。用“while”引導的現(xiàn)在分詞短語“while not havin9．．．basket”起補充說明作用。
【釋義】能源多樣化，意味著不把很多雞蛋放在一個籃子里。能源多樣化的未來對于承載著各類航船(不僅僅游艇)的經(jīng)濟來說更加有利。
④[That nuclear might belong in the mix right now]is only due tO the climate predicament[we are in because of our past sins]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“That nuclear might belong in the mix right now”用做主語從句。方括號所標示的“we are in…sins”用做“predicament”的后置定語從句。
【釋義】由于過去的過失，我們?nèi)缃裆钤跉夂蚶Ь持?。就因為這個原因，現(xiàn)在對核能的應用依然顧慮重重。
⑤[If undertaken at all]，it should only be a bridge(a“necessary evil”)tO a future[powered instead by many forms of safe，clean energy sources]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“If undertaken at all”相當于“If it is undertaken at all”，用做條件狀語從句。方括號所標示的過去分詞短語“powered instead by…sources”用做“future”的后置定語。
【釋義】如果真應用核能，那也只能是通向未來的一座橋(不可避免的邪惡)而已。未來的能源形式應該多種多樣，既安全又清潔。
⑥Nuclear has far too many problems，not the least of which is its waste，(which will only become a bigger prob— lem)]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“not the least of which is its waste，…”用做“problems”的后置定語從句。圓括號所標示的“which will only become a bigger problem．．．”用做“waste”的后置定語從句；尖方括號所標示的“if its use pr0— liferates”是其中的條件狀語從句。
【釋義】應用核能問題極多。其中一個嚴重問題就是產(chǎn)生的核廢物。如果廣泛使用核能，這個問題只會變得更加嚴重。
答案注釋
1．根據(jù)第一段第一句“The notion that we might need nuclear energy tO stave off global warming makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time”，對于使用核能減緩全球變暖的觀念，作者既感到高興又感到悲哀，可知，作者對 該觀念持懷疑態(tài)度。所以，選項B應為答案。
2．根據(jù)第一段前兩句中的“The notion that we might need nuclear energy to stave off global warming makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time．It is a self-fulfilling prophecy…”(其中，“It”指“The notion that we…warming”)可知，選項A應為答案。
3．根據(jù)第二段第一句中的“Alternatives are hampered today because Reagan was doing then what Bush is doing now：serving the interests of big oil，…”可知，選項D應為答案。
4．根據(jù)第三段最后一句“If undertaken at all，it should only be a bridge(a‘necessary evil’)tO a future powered in— stead by many forms of safe，clean energy sources”可知，選項C應為答案。
5．根據(jù)第三段第二句“It will enrich the few and further hamper progress for renewables”可知，選項D應為答案。
超綱詞匯
stave off vt．避開，擋住，阻止
hamper vt．妨礙，牽制
decentralized adj．分散的
yaeht n．游艇，快艇
predicament n．困境，境遇
spur vt．鞭策，刺激，激勵
quadruple vi．成為四倍
grid n．高壓輸電網(wǎng)
poise vt．使…均衡，使…作好準備
quantum leap n．躍進，巨大突破
proliferate vi．激增，擴散
meltdown n．熔毀，徹底垮臺
全文翻譯
我們可能需要利用核電來避免全球變暖，這種說法令人哭笑不得。這是一種本身自會成為事實的預言。1981年羅納德·里根入主白宮，他馬上下令拆除掉吉米·卡特安裝在白宮屋頂上的太陽能接收板。那時就開始有了這種預言。這并不僅僅是象征性的舉動。里根同樣大幅削減了替代能源的資金支持，此舉實質上阻止了太陽能的發(fā)展。
今天的布什與當年的里根，所作所為如出一轍，那就是為石油大亨的利益服務，他們要從化石燃料中榨干最后一滴利潤。因此，替代能源的發(fā)展依然受阻。如今，伊拉克戰(zhàn)爭以及其他的外交行動也出于同樣的目的。
如同石油業(yè)一樣，核電也是一個集中度極高的行業(yè)，由少數(shù)公司控制。這個行業(yè)會讓幾家公司獲利，并會進一步阻礙可再生能源的發(fā)展。能源多樣化，意味著不把很多雞蛋放在一個籃子里。能源多樣化的未來對于承載著各類航船(不僅僅游艇)的經(jīng)濟來說更加有利。由于過去的過失，我們?nèi)缃裆钤跉夂蚶Ь持?。就因為這個原因，現(xiàn)在對核能的應用依然顧慮重重。如果真應用核能，那也只能是通向未來的一座橋(不可避免的邪惡)而已。未來的能源形式應該多種多樣，既安全又清潔。
隨著人們突然間認識到全球確實在變暖，上述方面正發(fā)生巨大變化。西雅圖打算利用海洋能為6萬個家庭提供電能。從阿拉斯加到紐約，相似的工程都在籌劃。自2000年起，風能發(fā)電增加了四倍。盡管風能發(fā)電僅占美國電網(wǎng)的1％，但風能發(fā)電將會出現(xiàn)大幅的增長。馬里蘭、德克薩斯州、馬薩諸塞州、紐約以及其他地區(qū)，利用海風發(fā)電的項目已經(jīng)相繼進入到各個不同階段。氫能和電能汽車也似乎要上線，速度比我們五年前的預期更快。
應用核能問題極多。其中一個嚴重問題就是產(chǎn)生的核廢物。如果廣泛使用核能，這個問題只會變得更加嚴重。核廢料的放射性會持續(xù)成千上萬年，而且必須深埋在地下。盡管這種做法可以實現(xiàn)，這些致命的核廢料在運輸途中需要穿越鄉(xiāng)村及社區(qū)，人們要承受難以接受的風險。核能依然是事故發(fā)生的一大風險。核能的支持者宣稱如今的核能要比以往更加安全，但是，即使是一個小小的故障或者泄漏都有可能導致災難性的后果。而且，即使切諾貝利慘劇不會再重演，核設施依然會出現(xiàn)輕度輻射，這就對公眾的健康構成了潛在的威脅。
參考答案： 1．B 2．A 3．D 4．C 5．D
Alternatives are hampered today because Reagan was doing then what Bush is doing now: serving the interests of big oil, which seeks to squeeze out every last drop of profit from fossil fuels. The war in Iraq and other foreign policy actions today continue with that aim.
And nuclear is not unlike oil in that it is a very centralized industry, controlled by a l’ew companies. It will enrich the few and further hamper progress for renewables. A decentralized energy future will be far better for an economy that wants to float all boats (not just yachts) while not having so many energy eggs in one basket. That nuclear might belong in the mix right now is only due to the climate predicament we are in because of our past sins. If undertaken at all, it should only be a bridge (a"necessary evil") to a future powered instead by many forms of safe, clean energy sources.
Much is happening now in that regard, spurred by our almost sudden acceptance that global warming is real. Seattle wants to harness ocean power and provide electricity for 60,000 homes. SirniIar projects are planned from Alaska to New York. Wind power has quadrupled since 2000 and, though wind is now only one percent of the U.S. power grid, it is poised for a quantum leap; offshore wind projects are in various stages of development in Maryland, Texas, Massachusetts, New York and elsewhere. Hydrogen- and electric-powered cars are also likely to come online more quickly than we imagined even five years ago.
Nuclear has far too many problems, not the least of which is its waste, which will only become a bigger problem if its use proliferates. The waste stays radioactive for thousands of years and has to be buried undergroimd. Even if plans for doing that are ever realized, deadly waste will need to be transported across the country, through communities, subjecting people to unacceptable risks. Nuclear is also still a large accident risk. Industry proponents claim that nuclear is safer today than ever before, but even a small malfunction or leak could have devastating effects. And even if Chernobyl-style meltdowns are not likely, nuclear facilities still emit low-level radiation, a potentially serious public health concern. [448 words]
1. The author thinks that the use of nuclear energy ______.
A. hampers global warming effectively
B. to avoid global warming is doubtful
C. is inevitable with the shortage of oil
D. is necessary to evade global warming
2. By saying "It is a self-fulfilling prophecy" (Line 2, Paragraph 1), the author implies that it will become true that ______.
A. nuclear energy is used more widely than today
B. solar panels are promptly removed from roofs
C. oil is to a large extent replaced by alternatives
D. alternative energy funding is further curtailed
3. President Bush is quite similar to Ronald Reagan in that he ______.
A. makes the most of fossil fuels for profit
B. cuts alternative energy funding deeply
C. puts the solar industry out of business
D. serves the interests of oil monopolies
4. To alleviate global warming, various forms of safe, clean energy sources will be used in the future, a possible bridge to which is ______.
A. wind power projects
B. ocean power projects
C. nuclear power stations
D. hydrogen-powered vehicles
5. The author claims that nuclear ______.
A. subjects people to less risk
B. is not unlike oil in its waste
C. is much safer than ever before
D. impedes the use of renewables
難句透析
①It is a self-fulfilling prophecy[that began(when Ronald Reagan”took office in l981 and promptly removed Jimmy Carter’S solar panels from the White House roof)]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“that began…”用做“prophecy”的后置定語從句。圓括號所標示的“when Ronald Re agan took office…and promptly removed…roof”是時間狀語從句；其中，主語是“Ronald Reagan”，后面跟有兩個并列的謂語動詞“took”和“removed”。
【釋義】這是一種本身自會成為事實的預言。1981年羅納德·里根入主白宮，他馬上下令拆除吉米·卡特安裝在白宮屋頂上的太陽能接收板。那時就開始有了這種預言。
②Alternatives are hampered today[because Reagan was doing then(what Bush is doing now)：serving the inter— eats of big oil，(which seeks tO squeeze out every last drop of profit from fossil fuels)]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“because Reagan was doing then…”是原因狀語從句。圓括號所標示的“what Bush is doing now’’用做“was doing”的賓語從句。圓括號所標示的“which seeks…fossil fuels”用做“big oil”的后置定語從句。
【釋義】今天的布什與當年的里根，所作所為如出一轍，那就是為石油大亨的利益服務，他們要從化石燃料中榨干最后一滴利潤。因此，替代能源的發(fā)展依然受阻。
③A decentralized energy future will be far better for an economy[that wants to float all boats(not just yachts)] while not having SO many energy eggs in one basket．
【結構】方括號所標示的“that wants to float all boats…”用做“economy”的后置定語從句。用“while”引導的現(xiàn)在分詞短語“while not havin9．．．basket”起補充說明作用。
【釋義】能源多樣化，意味著不把很多雞蛋放在一個籃子里。能源多樣化的未來對于承載著各類航船(不僅僅游艇)的經(jīng)濟來說更加有利。
④[That nuclear might belong in the mix right now]is only due tO the climate predicament[we are in because of our past sins]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“That nuclear might belong in the mix right now”用做主語從句。方括號所標示的“we are in…sins”用做“predicament”的后置定語從句。
【釋義】由于過去的過失，我們?nèi)缃裆钤跉夂蚶Ь持?。就因為這個原因，現(xiàn)在對核能的應用依然顧慮重重。
⑤[If undertaken at all]，it should only be a bridge(a“necessary evil”)tO a future[powered instead by many forms of safe，clean energy sources]．
【結構】方括號所標示的“If undertaken at all”相當于“If it is undertaken at all”，用做條件狀語從句。方括號所標示的過去分詞短語“powered instead by…sources”用做“future”的后置定語。
【釋義】如果真應用核能，那也只能是通向未來的一座橋(不可避免的邪惡)而已。未來的能源形式應該多種多樣，既安全又清潔。
⑥Nuclear has far too many problems，not the least of which is its waste，(which will only become a bigger prob— lem
【結構】方括號所標示的“not the least of which is its waste，…”用做“problems”的后置定語從句。圓括號所標示的“which will only become a bigger problem．．．”用做“waste”的后置定語從句；尖方括號所標示的“if its use pr0— liferates”是其中的條件狀語從句。
【釋義】應用核能問題極多。其中一個嚴重問題就是產(chǎn)生的核廢物。如果廣泛使用核能，這個問題只會變得更加嚴重。
答案注釋
1．根據(jù)第一段第一句“The notion that we might need nuclear energy tO stave off global warming makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time”，對于使用核能減緩全球變暖的觀念，作者既感到高興又感到悲哀，可知，作者對 該觀念持懷疑態(tài)度。所以，選項B應為答案。
2．根據(jù)第一段前兩句中的“The notion that we might need nuclear energy to stave off global warming makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time．It is a self-fulfilling prophecy…”(其中，“It”指“The notion that we…warming”)可知，選項A應為答案。
3．根據(jù)第二段第一句中的“Alternatives are hampered today because Reagan was doing then what Bush is doing now：serving the interests of big oil，…”可知，選項D應為答案。
4．根據(jù)第三段最后一句“If undertaken at all，it should only be a bridge(a‘necessary evil’)tO a future powered in— stead by many forms of safe，clean energy sources”可知，選項C應為答案。
5．根據(jù)第三段第二句“It will enrich the few and further hamper progress for renewables”可知，選項D應為答案。
超綱詞匯
stave off vt．避開，擋住，阻止
hamper vt．妨礙，牽制
decentralized adj．分散的
yaeht n．游艇，快艇
predicament n．困境，境遇
spur vt．鞭策，刺激，激勵
quadruple vi．成為四倍
grid n．高壓輸電網(wǎng)
poise vt．使…均衡，使…作好準備
quantum leap n．躍進，巨大突破
proliferate vi．激增，擴散
meltdown n．熔毀，徹底垮臺
全文翻譯
我們可能需要利用核電來避免全球變暖，這種說法令人哭笑不得。這是一種本身自會成為事實的預言。1981年羅納德·里根入主白宮，他馬上下令拆除掉吉米·卡特安裝在白宮屋頂上的太陽能接收板。那時就開始有了這種預言。這并不僅僅是象征性的舉動。里根同樣大幅削減了替代能源的資金支持，此舉實質上阻止了太陽能的發(fā)展。
今天的布什與當年的里根，所作所為如出一轍，那就是為石油大亨的利益服務，他們要從化石燃料中榨干最后一滴利潤。因此，替代能源的發(fā)展依然受阻。如今，伊拉克戰(zhàn)爭以及其他的外交行動也出于同樣的目的。
如同石油業(yè)一樣，核電也是一個集中度極高的行業(yè)，由少數(shù)公司控制。這個行業(yè)會讓幾家公司獲利，并會進一步阻礙可再生能源的發(fā)展。能源多樣化，意味著不把很多雞蛋放在一個籃子里。能源多樣化的未來對于承載著各類航船(不僅僅游艇)的經(jīng)濟來說更加有利。由于過去的過失，我們?nèi)缃裆钤跉夂蚶Ь持?。就因為這個原因，現(xiàn)在對核能的應用依然顧慮重重。如果真應用核能，那也只能是通向未來的一座橋(不可避免的邪惡)而已。未來的能源形式應該多種多樣，既安全又清潔。
隨著人們突然間認識到全球確實在變暖，上述方面正發(fā)生巨大變化。西雅圖打算利用海洋能為6萬個家庭提供電能。從阿拉斯加到紐約，相似的工程都在籌劃。自2000年起，風能發(fā)電增加了四倍。盡管風能發(fā)電僅占美國電網(wǎng)的1％，但風能發(fā)電將會出現(xiàn)大幅的增長。馬里蘭、德克薩斯州、馬薩諸塞州、紐約以及其他地區(qū)，利用海風發(fā)電的項目已經(jīng)相繼進入到各個不同階段。氫能和電能汽車也似乎要上線，速度比我們五年前的預期更快。
應用核能問題極多。其中一個嚴重問題就是產(chǎn)生的核廢物。如果廣泛使用核能，這個問題只會變得更加嚴重。核廢料的放射性會持續(xù)成千上萬年，而且必須深埋在地下。盡管這種做法可以實現(xiàn)，這些致命的核廢料在運輸途中需要穿越鄉(xiāng)村及社區(qū)，人們要承受難以接受的風險。核能依然是事故發(fā)生的一大風險。核能的支持者宣稱如今的核能要比以往更加安全，但是，即使是一個小小的故障或者泄漏都有可能導致災難性的后果。而且，即使切諾貝利慘劇不會再重演，核設施依然會出現(xiàn)輕度輻射，這就對公眾的健康構成了潛在的威脅。
參考答案： 1．B 2．A 3．D 4．C 5．D