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Is there life on Mars? Many people have wondered about this question.

Somewriters of
science-fiction think of people from Mars as little green creatures.
Others imagine Martians as monsters with many eyes. In studying this planet,
astronomers have found that life may be possible on Mars. The first indication of this is
that Mars has seasons, just like Earth. In other words, Earth's seasons,such as spring or
summer, occur on Mars too. Because these seasons exist, it may be
possible for vegetation and other higher life forms to be found on Mars.
Astronomers also think that perhaps a small amount of water vapor could be found on
Mars. In 1887, an Italian astronomer, Giovanni Schiaparelli,discovered markings on the
surface of Mars. These markings looked like canals. This finding led astronomers to
believe that since water exists on Mars, life forms could exist as well.
However, there are others who feel that life on Mars is not possible. This is because there
is little or no trace of oxygen on the planet. In 1965, the Mariner IV capsule managed
to take photographs of the planet. It discovered that the only forms of life found are
vegetation like fungi and mosses. Nevertheless, people remain fascinated by the idea that
one day, there could be life on Mars.
In a world where 2 billion people live in homes that don't have light bulbs, technology
holds the
key (61)_____ banishing poverty. Even the simplest technologies can transform lives and
save
money. Vaccines, crops, computers and sources of solar energy can all reduce poverty in
developing countries. For example, cheap oral-rehydration therapy developed in
Bangladesh has dramatically cut
the death (62)____ from childhood diarrhoea.
But even when such technologies exist, the depressing fact is that we cant make them
(63)__
for those who most need them. Solar panels, batteries and light bulbs are still beyond the
purse of many, but where they have been installed they change lives. A decent light in the
evening gives children more time for homework and extends the productive day for
adults.
Kenya has a thriving solar industry and six years ago Kenyan pioneers also (64)___
connecting
schools to the Internet via radio links. These people were fortunate (65)____ being able to
afford
solar panels, radios and old computers. How much bigger would the impact be if these
things

(66)_____ and priced specifically for poor people?


Multinationals must become part of the solution, because (67)___ they own around 60
per cent
of the world's technology, they seldom make products for poor customers. Of 1,223 new
drugs marketed worldwide from 1975 to 1996, for example, just 13 were for tropical
diseases.
People think those enterprises should do more to provide vital products such as medicines
(68)_____ different prices around the world to suit (69)______ people can afford.
Alternatively,
they could pay a percentage of their profit towards research and development for (70)_ .
1B, 2D, 3B, 4D, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8C, 9B, 10C, 11D, 12B, 13A, 14D, 15C, 16C, 17A, 18B,
19D, 20D, 21B, 22B, 23B, 24A, 25A, 26B, 27B, 28C, 29A, 30A, 31A, 32C, 33D, 34D,
35B, 36A, 37C, 38D, 39C, 40D, 41B, 42D,43, 44B, 45B, 46D, 47C, 48C, 49A, 50D,
51B, 52C, 53C, 54A, 55D, 56C, 57A, 58D, 59B, 60B, 61C, 62D, 63D, 64A, 65B, 66D,
67A, 68C, 69C, 70A, 71C, 72A, 73D, 74B, 75C, 76D, 77B, 78A, 79A, 80C
In the twentieth century, people depend on unlimited energy to power their everyday
lives. A wide range of energy-run devices and modern conveniences are taken for
granted, and although it may seem that we will never be in danger of living without those
conveniences, the fact is that many supplies of energy are dwindling rapidly. Scientists
are constantly searching for new sources of power to keep modern society running.
Whether future population will continue to enjoy the benefits of abundant energy will
depend on the success of this search.
Coal, oil and natural gas supply modern civilization with most of its power. However,
not only are supplies of these fuels limited, but they are a major source of pollution. If the
energy demands of the future are to be met without seriously harming the environment,
existing alternative energy sources must be improved or further explored and developed.
These include nuclear, water, solar, wind and geothermal power, as well as energy from
new, nonpolluting types of fuels. Each of these alternatives, however, has advantages and
disadvantages.
Nuclear power plants efficiently produce large amounts of electricity without polluting
the atmosphere; however, they are costly to build and maintain, they pose the daunting
problem of what to do with nuclear wastes. Hydroelectric power is inexpensive and
environmentally safe, but impractical for communities located far from moving water.
Harnessing energy from tides and waves has similar drawbacks. Solar power holds great
promise for the future but methods of collecting and concentrating sunlight are as yet

inefficient, as are methods of harnessing wind power.


Every source of energy has its disadvantages. One way to minimize them is to use less
energy. Conservation efforts coupled with renewable energy resources, such as a
combination of solar, water, wind and geothermal energy and alternative fuels, such as
alcohol and hydrogen, will ensure supplies of clean, affordable energy for humanitys
future.

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