The Zhoukoudian Beijing Man Site is one of the most important world heritage sites in China. Since the discovery, which changed China’s knowledge of its history, was made in the 1920s, Zhoukoudian has become an important place for archaeologists from all over the world. At the site in the south-west suburb of Beijing, there is, for example, the earliest evidence of the use of fire by humans. It has also been proved that people lived there continuously between 500,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Today, however, Zhoukoudian is in serious danger. Parts of the cave have been badly affected by rain and exposure to the air. Some areas are almost completely covered in weeds, causing serious damage. Pollution from nearby cement factories has also contributed to the problem.
The site is extremely expensive to maintain and it will cost between three and five million yuan to repair it. At the moment, visitors are not allowed to visit the caves.
Zhoukoudian is on the World Cultural Heritage List, organized by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The list is constantly checked. Any site which is seriously damaged or which is not properly protected is an endangered heritage, and UNESCO is very quick to do something about situations like this. They have recommended that the site be closed and repaired. If nothing is done to repair it, it could be removed from the list.
This is a very serious matter and the Chinese Academy of Sciences is trying to raise public awareness about it. They have suggested that the general public be encouraged to help with the problem. A professor at the Academy has proposed that a fund be established to raise money.
Dr Zhu Ming of the Academy said, “ We have requested that the government get involved, but we also need assistance from ordinary people. They can help by contributing to the cost of repairing the caves. They are a precious part of our cultural heritage—it is of vital importance that we do something. If not, it will be a catastrophe.”
36. Why is Zhoukoudian of great importance in China?
A. Because the site tells some information about how man lived in the old times.
B. Because it has brought in lots of money as a place of interest.
C. Because it is the only place in China on the World Cultural Heritage List.
D. Because it changed our knowledge of China’s history of the 1920’s.
37. What is the second paragraph about?
A. Zhoukoudian’s discovery         B. Zhoukoudian’s future   
C. Zhoukoudian’s in danger          D. Zhoukoudian’s protection
38. The following has caused the damage of the site except________________.
A. Weeds     B. Rain    C. Fire      D. Cement factories
39. The passage suggests that to repair Zhoukoudian, Chinese Academy of Sciences is seeking help from_________.
A. Archaeologists from all over the world    B. Government and the public
C. Experts from UNESCO                D. Visitors
40. Which of the following can replace the underlined word “catastrophe”?
A. case     B. worry     C. wonder     D. disaster