近年来，高考英语阅读理解涉及政治、经济、历史、地理、文化、教育、新闻报道、人物故事、科技信息、海外风情等多方面题材。《新课标》对高考英语阅读理解题型做了具体要求，其中一条就是能阅读一般的英文报刊材料，获取主要信息，了解当代发生的重大事件，包括科技、文化、环保等方面。因此，2008年高考新闻报道类阅读理解必将成为热点。

　　【预测热点一】科技类

　　“嫦娥一号”的成功发射显示了中国科技的飞速发展，这无疑是各大报纸、杂志报道的热点，更是高考命题者命题的热点。

　　【解题技巧】

　　主要题型为词义猜测题和语义理解题。这类题考查同学们对英语文章中生词的解释意义、代词的指代意义或短语和句子的含义。常见的提问方式有：What does the word/phrase“…”in Paragraph…mean?

　　【例题剖析】

　　根据“嫦娥一号”新闻报道，选出正确的答案。

　　China to Launch 1st Lunar Probe Chang’e I This Year

　　China says the launch of its first lunar probe Chang’e I is just around the corner. Chinese scientists made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the satellite would be launched in the second half of this year.

　　Since China announced the project in 2004, the country’s first lunar exploration project has drawn world-wide attention. Now, China’s space scientists say the satellite is ready for lift off.

　　Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist, China’s lunar exploration project, said,“Preparations for the satellite, rocket, ground control and data reception are ready for the exploration. We will be able to launch the probe the second half of this year.”

　　The probe’s operational orbit has already been decided on. Chang’e I is scheduled to enter the moon’s orbit after a nearly 400 000-kilometer journey in space. And a committee of over 100 space experts has also been established for the project. The scientists have agreed to share the data sent back by Chang’e I on the lunar environment.

　　Ouyang Ziyuan said,“We will make a 3D map of the moon and research the distribution of lunar elements, lunar soil thickness and the moon’s surface environment.”

　　Ouyang Ziyuan says Chang’e I will be carried by a Long March A3 carrier rocket for its launch. This is scheduled to take place at the Xi’Chang Satellite Launch Center.

　　1. What does the underlined words“around the corner”in the first paragraph mean?

　　A. in the corner

　　B. on the way

　　C. in the way

　　D. at the corner

　　2. When did China announce the project?

　　A. In the second half of this year.

　　B. In 2004.

　　C. In the first half of this year.

　　D. In 2008.

　　3. How long will Chang’e I travel before it enters the moon’s orbit?

　　A. 300 000 kilometers.

　　B. 400 000 meters.

　　C. 400 000 000 meters.

　　D. 5 000 000 kilometers.

　　4. What will Chang’e I do in space?

　　A. It will just circle around the moon.

　　B. It will make a 2D map of the moon and research the distribution of lunar elements.

　　C. It will send the TV signals to make our life more colorful.

　　D. It will make a 3D map of the moon and do some research about the moon.

　　5. Which one is TRUE?

　　A. The committee is made up of less than 100 space experts.

　　B. It is scheduled to launch at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

　　C. The data sent back by Chang’e I will be shared by the scientists.

　　D. Chang’e I will be carried by a Long March B3 carrier rocket for its launch.【分析】

　　1.答案为B。根据第一段最后一句话可知“嫦娥一号”即将发射。

　　2.答案为B。时间细节的考查，从第二段第一句话可知答案。

　　3.答案为C。从第四段第二行可知答案。

　　4.答案为D。从第五段第一行可知答案。

　　5.答案为C。细节考查，纵观全文，可知答案。

　　【预测热点二】奥运专题类

　　2008年8月，第29届奥运会将在北京隆重举行，如何将本届奥运会办成有中国特色的奥运会将是全世界关注的焦点。作为一名高中生，应该多了解和接触有关奥运会的英文材料。

　　【解题技巧】

　　主要题型为主旨大意题。这类题考查同学们对文章中心思想、段落大意的归纳、总结及概括能力。归纳文章主题时，选项的内涵和外延要恰如其分地概括文章主题。常见的提问方式有：What is the main idea of this passage?

　　【例题剖析】

　　Beijing to Hold Olympic Cultural Activities

　　Beijing Olympic organizers say the city will hold a variety of Olympic cultural activities between June and September. This is an attempt to provide an opportunity for both domestic and overseas tourists to experience the combination of Olympic and Chinese cultures.

　　The officials released schedule of the activities at a coordination meeting Thursday.

　　Zhao Dongming is with the Beijing Olympic organizing Committee. He said cultural activities are an important part of the sporting event.

　　“The Olympic Games is a big international stage. It provides a broad platform to showcase the diversified cultures in China and across the world through various cultural activities. It promotes understanding of China and Beijing.”