单选题 Modern science fiction movies are often known for their breathtaking special
Line effects. These effects can show us a glimpse of the future, and frequently have
tremendous dramatic force. Sometimes, however, special effects can leave the
science behind to focus only on the fiction. One of the worst offenders is a film's
(5) depiction of explosions in outer space.
On the Earth, explosions occur in some form of matter, usually air or water.
The change in energy level in the matter creates the energy differential known as
a shock wave. The wave is what creates the characteristic "boom" of an explosion.
Since there is very little matter in outer space, the energy transfer never takes
(10) place. Consequently, there is no sound. Further, because air and water are not
perfect conduits for energy, they measurably slow the travel of the explosive
force. This allows the explosion to unfold in relatively slow motion, which
renders it visible to the eye. In space, there is nothing to slow the energy, which
would disperse almost immediately. The effect for an observer would be a bright
(15) flash, gone almost as soon as it appeared, and nothing like the great billowing
space clouds shown in the movies, suggesting that reality is insufficiently
dramatic for cinematic representation.

单选题 The author's argument is developed primarily by the use of

A、 an attack on the misuse of scientific discoveries by modern film directors
B、 a critique of technical developments in science fiction movie special effects
C、 an example of how science fiction directors distort science to increase dramatic effect
D、 an analogy between science fiction movie special effect and science education in schools
E、 (E) a warning against an overreliance on films to teach science to youngsters

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】The generally descriptive tone of the passage eliminates answer choices A and E, which are too negative. The passage also does not address the role of movies in education, so answer choice D is not correct. Instead, the passage describes how explosions would occur in space and how that differs from explosions on the Earth (and, by extension, in the movies). This best fits with answer choice C.

单选题 According to the passage, which of the following is true about explosions in space?
I. A lack of matter in space allows the energy from an explosion to travel very quickly.
II. An explosion in space would be visible as a flash of bright light.
III. Shock waves created by an explosion in space would cause an audible "boom."

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】This question asks you to choose which of three statements is true, based on the passage. The answers are found in the second paragraph. The author states that there is nothing to slow the energy from an explosion; therefore, it would disperse very quickly. Thus Roman numeral I is true. The author also states that the effect of an explosion for an observer would be a bright flash, so Roman numeral II is true. While the author writes that shock waves from an explosion cause a "boom," she also writes that those waves are not heard in space. Therefore, Roman numeral III is false. Consequently, only Roman numerals I and II are true.