休士頓,，作為美國的第五大城市，以其在航天領(lǐng)域的重大貢獻(xiàn)而聞名,。這里是阿波羅11號飛船的發(fā)射地,，標(biāo)志著人類首次登月的偉大成就。休士頓的歷史可以追溯到1836年,，當(dāng)時德克薩斯州剛從墨西哥獨(dú)立出來,。

休士頓港是通往墨西哥灣的重要通道，是美國第三大港口,，棉花和石油產(chǎn)品的出口量均位居全國首位,。

自從NASA在此設(shè)立太空中心以來，休士頓的經(jīng)濟(jì)和科技發(fā)展迅速，成為全球航空航天科技的重要中心,。

阿斯托洛圓頂運(yùn)動場 (Astrodome)

這座耗資3100萬美元于1965年完工的運(yùn)動場,，是世界上最大的室內(nèi)體育場，配備了先進(jìn)的空調(diào)系統(tǒng),。各種體育賽事如棒球,、足球以及馬戲表演均可在此舉行。此外,，緊鄰的AstroWorld娛樂中心為游客提供多樣的游樂設(shè)施和表演,。

圣哈新托古戰(zhàn)場 (San Jacinto Battlefield)

1836年，休士頓將軍在此與墨軍展開激烈戰(zhàn)斗,，以爭取德克薩斯州的獨(dú)立,。如今，這里已成為州立公園,，紀(jì)念塔高達(dá)174米,，游客可乘電梯登頂，底部設(shè)有歷史博物館,，距離休士頓市約26公里,。

美國航空太空總署太空飛行中心 (NASA Manned Spacecraft Center)

因阿波羅11號的成功發(fā)射而享譽(yù)全球，NASA于1961年在休士頓東南方45公里處的克利阿湖畔建立了這一中心,。附近還聚集了許多重要的電子工業(yè)公司,，如General Electric和IBM，使這里成為航空航天科學(xué)的核心區(qū)域,。

在展覽館Exhibit Hall的一號館中,，游客可以看到太空飛行員使用的設(shè)備、太空食物,、航天器模型及月球采集的巖石等展品,，向公眾開放。

太空中心內(nèi)部廣闊,，游客可在入口處索取地圖以便于參觀。中心內(nèi)還有禮品店,，出售航天器模型,、月球巖石模型及阿波羅帽等商品。

綜上所述,，休士頓不僅是一個充滿活力的城市,，更是探索宇宙奧秘的重要基地。對于準(zhǔn)備參加托?？荚嚨目忌鷣碚f,，了解這樣的背景知識將有助于提升閱讀理解能力。

Houston: The Space City

As a TOEFL candidate, understanding the reading materials related to Houston can significantly enhance your performance. Houston is often referred to as the "Space City" due to its rich history in space exploration and technology. ?? This article will guide you through some essential points about Houston and how they relate to the TOEFL exam.

Key Points About Houston

1. NASA's Johnson Space Center: One of the most notable features of Houston is the NASA Johnson Space Center. This center has been at the forefront of human spaceflight since 1961. It is home to Mission Control and astronaut training facilities. Understanding this center's role can help you answer questions related to space exploration in TOEFL reading passages.

2. Space Exploration History: Houston has played a crucial role in significant events like the Apollo moon missions and the Space Shuttle program. For instance, the famous phrase "Houston, we have a problem" originates from the Apollo 13 mission. ??? Knowing these historical facts can help you tackle questions that ask for specific details or context.

TOEFL Reading Tips

1. Familiarize Yourself with Vocabulary: Words related to space and technology frequently appear in TOEFL reading sections. Here are some terms you should know:

• Astronaut: A person trained to travel in space.
• Orbit: The path one body takes around another body in space.
• Launch: To send a spacecraft into motion.

2. Practice with Sample Questions: Here’s a sample question you might encounter:

What is the primary function of NASA's Johnson Space Center?

Answer Choices:

• A) Conducting scientific research on Earth
• B) Training astronauts and managing space missions
• C) Manufacturing spacecraft components
• D) Developing new technology for commercial airlines

Correct Answer: B) Training astronauts and managing space missions.

New Topics and Predictions

As you prepare for the TOEFL, consider focusing on emerging topics related to space exploration. For example, the discussion around Mars colonization and advancements in private space travel companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin may become increasingly relevant. ??

Listening Practice

In addition to reading, listening skills are crucial for TOEFL success. Here’s a practice listening text:

"Today, we will discuss the importance of the Johnson Space Center. Established in 1961, it has been pivotal in training astronauts and overseeing missions. Its role in the Apollo program brought humanity closer to the moon." ??

After listening, you might be asked:

What was the significance of the Johnson Space Center during the Apollo program?

Sample Answer: The Johnson Space Center was significant because it trained astronauts and managed the Apollo missions, leading to successful moon landings.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

When tackling reading passages related to Houston, try these strategies:

• Skim the Passage: Quickly read through the passage to get a general idea before diving into details.
• Highlight Key Information: As you read, underline or highlight important dates, names, and events.
• Summarize Sections: After each paragraph, take a moment to summarize what you’ve read in your own words.

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your comprehension and retention of information related to Houston and its significance in space exploration. Best of luck with your TOEFL preparation! ??

Introduction to the Space City Background for TOEFL Reading ??

As a TOEFL test taker, understanding various topics can significantly enhance your reading comprehension skills. One fascinating subject is the concept of "Space Cities" in the United States. This article will provide you with essential background knowledge, vocabulary, and tips to help you tackle related reading passages effectively.

What are Space Cities? ???

Space cities refer to futuristic urban environments designed for human habitation beyond Earth, particularly in space. While this may sound like science fiction, advancements in technology and space exploration are paving the way for such concepts. The idea is to create self-sustaining habitats that can support life on other planets or in orbit around Earth.

Key Vocabulary ??

• Habitat: A natural environment where an organism lives.
• Sustainable: Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources.
• Orbit: The path one body takes around another due to gravitational forces.
• Extraterrestrial: Relating to things that originate outside of Earth.
• Terraforming: The process of altering a planet's environment to make it habitable for Earth-like life.

Historical Context ??

The concept of space cities has been around since the mid-20th century, gaining traction during the Space Race. Notable projects include NASA's Skylab and the International Space Station (ISS). These initiatives have provided valuable insights into living and working in space, which are crucial for future space city developments.

Current Developments ??

Today, companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are making significant strides in space travel. Their efforts could lead to the establishment of permanent settlements on the Moon or Mars. For example, SpaceX's Starship aims to transport humans to Mars, making the dream of a space city more tangible.

Sample TOEFL Reading Passage ??

Here’s a hypothetical reading passage you might encounter:

"In the coming decades, scientists and engineers envision the construction of space cities that could serve as hubs for research and tourism. These cities would utilize advanced technologies to create sustainable ecosystems, allowing humans to thrive in extraterrestrial environments."

Practice Questions ?

1. What is the primary purpose of space cities according to the passage?
2. Which company is mentioned as a leader in space travel?
3. Define 'terraforming' based on the context provided.

Answers ?

1. The primary purpose is to serve as hubs for research and tourism.
2. SpaceX is mentioned as a leader in space travel.
3. Terraforming is the process of altering a planet's environment to make it habitable.

Tips for TOEFL Reading ??

• Skim the passage: Quickly read through the text to get a general idea before diving deeper.
• Highlight key information: Mark important terms and concepts as you read.
• Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with different topics to improve comprehension.
• Review vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary base to understand complex texts.

Conclusion ??

Understanding the background of space cities not only broadens your knowledge but also prepares you for potential TOEFL reading passages. By familiarizing yourself with relevant vocabulary and practicing reading strategies, you can enhance your performance on the exam. Good luck with your TOEFL preparation!