阅读理解When you walk through a neighborhood, what do you see? In the United States, it will likely be a few trees and bushes among large areas of grassy lawns(草坪). These big green carpets might look pretty. But a plain expanse of grass is an ecological wasteland. It's filled with just one type of plant—a species that doesn't support insects, birds or other wildlife the way a natural ecosystem would. Lawns started in England back around the Middle Ages. At that time, most people had to grow their own food. A big expanse of grass would serve as a display of wealth; these people could afford to have land without crops. The grasses planted back then were native to England. They grew well with that nation's soils, ample rains and cool temperatures. Those same grasses now cover lawns across the world, from Europe and the United States to Australia. Although they did well in England, they're not as well adapted to places with different climates and levels of soil nutrients. That means it can take a lot of work to maintain these yards. People tend to add fertilizers to keep their lawns green. They water regularly, because these grass species can't handle hot summers or places with little rain. People may even use chemicals to keep out weeds and pests. All those activities use up or pollute much-needed fresh water. Both are problems, especially in the face of ongoing drought. Pesticides and fertilizers washed away by rain or watering can also harm the ecosystems in streams. That's why a growing number of people are rethinking lawns. What does that mean? Allowing a greater variety of plants and animals to thrive in these spaces could save water, experts say. It could also reduce chemical pollution. Yards planted with more diverse species could make for healthier ecosystems with more pollination and pest control. In the end, such changes should benefit people and wildlife alike.
(1)
Why does the author mention large grassy lawns in paragraph 1?
A . To describe their popularity.
B . To explain their waste of money.
C . To introduce their great benefits.
D . To show their lack of plant diversity.
(2)
What does the underlined word "that" in Paragraph 4 refer to?
A . People growing various crops on their lawns.
B . Grasses native to England spreading worldwide.
C . Grasses lacking adaptation to diverse environments.
D . Grasslands being kept to show wealth and status.
(3)
What do people usually do to attend to their lawns?
A . Employ chemicals to kill harmful pests.
B . Plant drought-resistant native grass.
C . Adapt the grasses to different soils.
D . Avoid using artificial fertilizers on lawns.
(4)
What is the author's attitude towards making yards diverse?
A . Skeptical.
B . Surprised.
C . Dismissive.
D . Favorable.
答案: D
C
A
D