Ⅴ. 阅读理解
You've heard of space rockets, but have you heard of a space balloon? A company called Space Perspective is planning to use its new balloon, called Space Neptune, to take people to the edge(边缘)of space. It is expected to take common people on an out-of-the-world vacation.
Taking off from Kennedy Space Centre, the trip will take six hours—two hours travelling up, two hours enjoying the view and two hours travelling back. Below the hydrogen(氢气)-filled balloon, a spaceship is large enough for eight travellers to stand and walk freely within. Inside the ship are comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi and even a bar. During the six-hour trip, the guests will be able to send photos or videos to people on the ground while enjoying food and drinks.
Although the balloon won't really fly into space, this won't be a problem for the guests. At 20 miles above the Earth, they will experience 360° views of the planet Earth and stars, feeling like they are in space. But the tickets are expensive. Seats on board were sold for 125,000 each.
Unlike rockets, Space Neptune doesn't give out carbon dioxide which always leads to hotter temperatures on the Earth. The spaceship will also get its hydrogen from clean and renewable energy. This is why space travel with hydrogen balloons is thought to be the most environmentally friendly so far.
The great news is that no special training is needed for this ride, but the bad news is, you'll probably have to wait because the first year's tickets have been sold out. So, start saving up!
1. 新考法
写作手法 How does the writer start the passage?
A. By asking a question.
B. By telling a story.
C. By giving an example.
D. By listing numbers.
2. 新考法
图示理解 Which picture best shows the balloon space travel?

A.
B.
C.
D.
3. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The spaceship is 100 metres wide.
B. The spaceship goes into space by rocket.
C. The spaceship carries at most 8 passengers.
D. The spaceship will be too hot for passengers.
4. What is Space Neptune like?
A. It is educational.
B. It is traditional.
C. It is dirty.
D. It is environmental.
5. What's the best title for the passage?
A. The Space Balloon from the Space Rocket
B. Call on More Trained Astronauts to Space
C. How to Make a Space Balloon
D. A New Way to Travel to Space