In 1901, H.G. Wells, an English writer, wrote a book describing a trip to the moon. When the explorers landed on the moon, they discovered that the moon was full of underground cities. They expressed their surprise to the “moon people” they met. In turn, the “moon people” expressed their surprise. “Why,” they asked. “are you travelling to outer space when you don’t even use your inner space?”
H.G. Wells could only imagine travel to the moon. In 1969, human beings really did land on the moon. People today know that there are no underground cities on the moon. However, the question that the “moon people” asked is still an interesting one. A growing number of scientists are seriously thinking about it. Underground systems are already in place. Many cities have underground car parks. In some cities, such as Tokyo, Seoul and Montreal, there are large underground shopping areas. The “Chunnel”, a tunnel (隧道) connecting England and France, is now complete.
But what about underground cities? Japan’s Taisei Corporation is designing a network of underground systems called “Alice Cities”. The designers imagine using surface space for public parks and using underground space for flats, offices, shopping, and so on. A solar dome (太阳能穹顶) would cover the whole city. Supporters of underground development say that building down rather than building up is a good way to use the earth’s space. The surface, they say, can be used for farms, parks, gardens, and wilderness. H.G. Wells’ “moon people” would agree. Would you?
The explorers in H.G. Wells’ story were surprised to find that the “moon people” ______.
A.understood their language | B.knew so much about the earth |
C.lived in so many underground cities | D.were ahead of them in space technology |
What does the underlined word “it” (paragraph2) refer to?
A.Travelling to outer space. | B.Using the earth’s inner space. |
C.Meeting the “moon people” again | D.Discovering the moon’s inner space |
What sort of underground systems are already here with us?
A.Offices, shopping areas, power stations. | B.Tunnels, car parks, shopping areas. |
C.Gardens, car parks, power stations. | D.Tunnels, gardens, offices. |
What would be the best title for the text?
A.Alice Cities - Cities of the Future | B.Space Travel with H.G. Wells |
C.Enjoy Living Underground | D.Building Down, Not up |