Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific. It is tiny and has only nine islands with a population of just 11,000. In 1999, it was the third- poorest country in the world. The islanders earned just $1,000 each year.
But then something unusual happened. Tuvalu received an internet domain (领土) name—the letters “tv”. These letters were very interesting for many companies around the world. A communication company from California offered to buy the domain name “tv” for $40 m. For the Tuvalans this was a very large amount of money. The islanders became very rich.
Because of global warming, and because the islands are only 3m above sea level, Tuvalu will probably become the first country in the world that will disappear under the sea.
You can already see signs of the rising sea on Tuvalu. Some beaches are disappearing and you can see tree roots by the ocean. Cyclones(旋风)used to be very rare but they now appear a few times a year, and the rains that come with the cyclones cause flooding. Despite these problems, the Tuvalans had their new money. They could use it to buy themselves a future. Or at least they could use it to buy some time. Paul Lindsay, a documentary film-maker, took these questions with him all the way to Tuvalu, and came back with an incredible (难于置信的)story. As the water rises, the Tuvalans are using the money to develop the land. They are building new houses, planning nightclubs, restaurants and hotels and new cars are driving around on new roads. The residents do not think this is strange: “Just because we are sinking, it doesn’t mean we don’t want to raise our standards of living.” Sam Teo, Tuvalu’s minister for natural resources told Lindsay.
Which of the following information about Tuvalu is WRONG?
A.It only has a population of 11,000 people. |
B.The average income of the Tuvalans is $1000 in 1999. |
C.Tuvalu is only 3m high above sea level. |
D.The Tuvalans received $40 million when they sold the domain name. |
The biggest problem for the Tuvalans is _________.
A.poverty | B.global warming |
C.The small population | D.cyclones |
Which of the following match the beginnings with the endings is correct?
①The Tuvalans became rich…
②By the end of the century…
③The Tuvalans are spending their money
④When the sea rises…
a.on roads, cars and new buildings
b.the sea will cover the islands completely.
c.the Tuvalans will have to leave their islands
d.when they sold their internet domain name.
A.①-d, ②-b, ③-a, ④-c | B.①-c, ②-d, ③-b, ④-a |
C.①-c, ②-b, ③-a, ④-d | D.①-d, ②-c, ③-a, ④-b |
Why did Paul Lindsay come to Tuvalu?
A.To make a documentary film to record the life of the Tuvalans. |
B.To understand the living condition of the Tuvalans. |
C.To know how the Tuvalans survive despite all of their problems. |
D.To discover the reason for the Tuvalans not to improve their living standards. |