第一篇

　　Bomb Explosions in Thailand

　　The new year celebration in Thailand was shattered by violence, when nine bombs exploded across Bangkok around midnight. Three Thai citizens were killed and more than 30 injured.

　　Among the injured, six were foreigners. No Chinese casualties were reposed, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, the capital, said on Monday.1 But other embassies have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to Bangkok. "There is a possibility of further attacks in coming days, "said a travel advisory (公告) from Australia. "Australians are urged to avoid unnecessary travel in Bangkok."

　　No terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombings by Tuesday.2 Bombings and shootings occur almost daily in Thailand's three southernmost provinces. Yala, Naarathiwat and Pattani have a dominant Muslim population and have long complained of neglect (忽视) and discrimination (歧视) in the largely Buddhist (佛教徒的) nation. They have asked for independence and a separate Islamic (伊斯兰的) state. Since 2004, the insurgents (叛乱者) have carried out numerous attacks in the south and more than 1,900 people have been killed.3

　　But Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Monday that domestic politics rather than the Muslim insurgency was behind the bombings. "It is likely related to people who lost their political benefits," Surayud said, referring to Thaksin Shinawatra.

　　4 Surayud was later appointed interim (临时的) prime minister. Thaksin, however, still enjoys widespread support, especially in the countryside.

　　5 Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadol Patama, denied his client's involvement in the bombings, according to a local website.

　　A. Some believe the explosions were the work of Muslim separatists.

　　B. Some believe that several senior army officers loyal to Thaksin plotted the bombings with ousted (赶下台) politicians to discredit (败坏名声) the govemment.

　　C. Thaksin was ousted in a military coup (政变) last September.

　　D. The Thai Government has been unable to control the violence, though thousands of troops have been sent to the south.

　　E. The embassy issued no travel warnings.

　　F. Nobody is to blame.

　　第二篇

　　Caribbean Islands

　　What would you see if you took a cruise to the Caribbean Islands? Palm trees and coconuts(椰子)? White beaches and clear, blue ocean? Colorful corals (珊瑚) and even more colorful fishes and birds?

　　You bet. There are thousands of islands in the Caribbean Sea. They are famous for their warm, tropical climate and great natural beauty.

　　The Caribbean Islands form a chain that separates the Caribbean Sea from the rest of the Atlantic Ocean.1 Many of the islands were formed by the eruption (爆发) of ancient volcanoes (火山). Others are low-lying coral islands that gradually rose from the ocean.

　　The Caribbean Islands are known by several names.2 The explorer Christopher Columbus called the islands the Indies in 1492 because he thought he was near the coast of India. Later, Spain and France called the islands the Antilles.

　　There are four large islands in the Caribbean Sea.3 These four islands are often called the Greater Antilles. Together, they account for about 90 percent of the land area of the Caribbean Islands.

　　The rest of the Caribbean Islands are much smaller.4 You can see why pirates such as the famous Blackbeard sailed these waters. There are countless small islands to bury treasure or hide on.

　　The weather of the Caribbean Sea is almost always warm and sunny. Sandy beaches line the coasts of many islands.5. Many tourists arrive on cruise ships.

　　A. But life on the Caribbean Islands is not always paradise.

　　B. The earliest name used by Europeans is the Indies, later changed to the West Indies.

　　C. They're like a long necklace that stretches between North and South America.

　　D. They are Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.

　　E. This is why millions of tourists visit the islands each year.

　　F. Some of these islands are no more than tiny slivers (小片) of exposed coral.

　　第三篇

　　I-Ieat Is Killer

　　Extremely hot weather is common in many parts of the world. Although hot weather just makes most people feel hot, it can cause serious medical problems -- even death. Floods, storms,volcano eruptions and other natural disasters kill thousands of people every year.1 Experts say heat may be nature's deadliest killer. Recently, extreme heat was blamed for killing more than one hundred people in India. It is reported that the total heat of a hot day or several days can affect health.2 Experts say heat waves often become dangerous when the nighttime temperature does not drop much from the highest daytime temperature. This causes great stress on the human body.

　　3 out of the sun, if possible. Drink lots of cool water. Wear light colored clothing made of natural materials; avoid wearing synthetic clothing. Make sure the clothing is loose, permitting freedom of movement. And learn the danger signs of the medical problems, such as headache and vomiting that are linked to heat.4 The pain is a warning that the body is becoming too hot.

　　Doctors say those suffering headache or muscle pain should stop all activity and rest in a cool place and drink cool liquids. Do not return to physical activity for a few hours because more serious conditions could develop.

　　Doctors say some people face an increased danger from heat stress.5 Hot weather also increases dangers for people who must take medicine for high blood pressure, poor blood flow, nervousness or depression.

　　A. Such persons have a weak or damaged heart, high blood pressure, or other problems of the blood system.

　　B. Several of these conditions are present at the same time.

　　C. Most people suffer only muscle pain as a result of heat stress.

　　D. Several hot days are considered a heat wave.

　　E. So does extreme heat.

　　F. Doctors say people can do many things to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat.
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