16．Why should mankind explore space？Why should money，time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits？Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth？These are questions that，understandably，are very often asked．
Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup（基因构成）as human beings．What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains，and on into all possible areas and environments？The wider the spread of a species，the better its chance of survival．Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible．
Nearly every successful civilization has explored，because by doing so，any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for．Without knowledge，we may be completely destroyed by the danger．With knowledge，we can lessen its effects．
Exploration also allows minerals and other potential（潜在的）resources to be found．Even if we have no immediate need of them，they will perhaps be useful later．Resources may be more than physical possessions．Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration．The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives．We have already benefited from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction，in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems．Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products （副产品）of technological developments in the space industry!
While many resources are spent on what seems a small return，the exploration of space allows creative，brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us．While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works，it also holds dangers．The danger exists，but knowledge can help human beings to survive．Without the ability to reach out across space，the chance to save ourselves might not exist．
While Earth is the only planet known to support life，surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us to live on other planets．It is true that the lifestyle would be different，but human life and cultures have adapted in the past and surely could in the future．
28．Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph1？C
A．To express his doubts．
B．To compare different ideas．
C．To introduce points for discussion．
D．To describe the conditions on Earth．
29．What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph2？A
A．Humans are nature-born to do so．
B．Humans have the tendency to fight．
C．Humans may find new sources of food．
D．Humans don't like to stay in the same place．
30．The underlined word"spin-offs"in Paragraph 4probably refers toC．
A．survival chances B．potential resources
C．unexpected benefits D．physical possessions
31．Which of the statements can best sum up the passage？D
A．Space exploration has created many wonders．
B．Space exploration provides the best value for money．
C．Space exploration can benefit science and technology．
D．Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth．
分析 文章讲述了人类对太空的探索．人类的天性决定了我们一定会探索太空，从已经取得的成绩看，效果不错．此外，探索太空也是对人类的未来负责，可以帮我们寻找新能源，确保了人类的生存．
解答 28．C 写作结构题．文章用设问的方式是为了引出话题：人类探索太空的原因．故选C．
29．A 细节理解题．文章第二段说Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup as human beings人类探索太空原因存在与人类的基因中．故选A．
30．C 猜测词意题．划线前面说The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives人类已经利用太空技术改善了我们的生活；后面说including improvements in earthquake prediction，in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems．Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products of technological developments in the space industry人类还从太空技术中获得了很多附带的好处．故选C．
31．D 主旨大意题．文章讲述的是太空探索的问题和探索太空带来的好处；文章倒数第二段说Without the ability to reach out across space，the chance to save ourselves might not exist不探索太空，我们人类也许很难生存下去．故选D．
点评 本文是科教类阅读理解．做这类题材阅读理解时要求考生对文章通读一遍，做题时结合原文和题目有针对性的找出相关语句进行仔细分析，结合选项选出正确答案．推理判断题也是要在抓住关键句子的基础上合理的分析才能得出正确答案，切忌胡乱猜测，一定要做到有理有据
