Question

  As much of Arizona enters an 11th year of drought conditions,the state could experience its driest winter season in centuries. And that has officials worrying about agriculture,water supplies and the threat of wildfires.

  Arizona's mountains are almost bare,with snowpack conditions worse than they were at the same time in 2002―a year that set records as one of the driest in five centuries.

  Rural areas are facing water shortages by early summer if rains don't come.

January and February typically bring much of the snow needed to refill reservoirs (水库) and keep rivers and forests healthy. But a stubborn weather pattern has been leading every storm north of Arizona so far this winter.

  The Salt and Verde rivers' watersheds received just 0. 14 of an inch of rain in November and December,and none has fallen in Phoenix since Oct. 18.

  "I've never seen anything like this," said Larry Martinez,water supply specialist for the Federal Natural Resources Conservation Service. "It's quite shocking to a lot of folks who depend on the snow. There could still be a miracle turnaround;don't underestimate (过低估计) Mother Nature. But the trend doesn't look good for us right now."

  Farmers who draw on smaller rivers and reservoirs could run short this year. The lack of rain will increase the demand for water early in growing seasons,which will further weaken supplies.

  Meanwhile,some experts are already predicting one of the worst wildfire seasons in years around Arizona with a fatal combination of drying trees and driedout grass.

  The State Department of Water Resources had begun meeting with local leaders under a drought plan produced two years ago by a governor's task force.

  The main effect of the dry winter in the Phoenix metropolitan (大都市的) area is an increase in water consumption,say city water departments. Mesa increased its use of Central Arizona Project water by 17% in November and 26% in December.

  Whether cities will be forced to dip into other store depends on the weather for the next two or three months. Forecasters are predicting warm,dry conditions.

(   ) 5. Where can you probably find this kind of article?

   A. In a text book.

   B. In a traveling guide.

   C. In a newspaper.

   D. In a magazine for entertainment.

(   ) 6. The driest winter season in the rural area may result in         .

   A. the precious animal's dying out

   B. the pollution of the farmland

   C. the water shortage in the coming seasons

   D. the laziness of the farmer

(   ) 7. According to the passage,which of the following statements can be learned?

   A. 2002 was the driest year with snowpack condition,which made a record in the history.

   B. The first two months of a year usually bring much of the water needed to keep rivers and forests healthy.

   C. Farmers,although depending on the snow,are not worry about the water shortage at all.

   D. The lack of rain will just have some effect on the winter season,when farmers are growing.

(   ) 8. It can be learnt from the passage that         .

   A. the local governor will make a plan to deal with the drought soon

   B. the driest winter season just has an effect on the rural area

   C. Arizona State could have its driest winter season in centuries

   D. warm,dry conditions would be the best in this area

Answer 1

5. C全文介绍Arizona的干旱形势，显然是报刊的报道。

6. C文章第7段提到了干旱形势严峻，将引起即将来临的季节需水量的短缺。

7. B由第4段开头提到的January and February typically bring much of the snow可知。

8. C从全文看该州可能遇到了几世纪来罕见的干旱。