《2026年江苏13大市中考名卷优选38套英语》

C
One of the most amazing natural wonders in the
world is the Northern Lights, also known as the
Aurora Borealis. This dazzling light show can be
seen in the night sky near the North and South
poles, painting the darkness with shining lines of
green, pink, purple, and sometimes even red. But
what causes this magical phenomenon, and where
can you see it?
The Northern Lights are a result of activity on
the Sun. The Sun always sends out tiny energy
particles (粒子) called solar wind. When these
particles come to Earth, they meet Earth's magnetic
field(磁场) and move toward the North and South
Poles. There, they hit gases in the air, mainly
oxygen and nitrogen, and make them light up. The
most common color is green, which comes from
oxygen. Nitrogen produces purple or pink colors.
The colors you see depend on which gas gets hit and
how high up in the sky this happens.
The best places to see the Northern Lights are
in countries close to the Arctic Circle(北极圈), such
as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and
Alaska. They are easiest to see during the winter
months when nights are long and dark. Clear skies
and locations far from city lights increase the
chances of a good view. Some people even plan
special trips just to witness this great view, waiting
patiently in the cold for the lights to appear.
For centuries, people have been attracted by the
Northern Lights. Ancient cultures believed they
were spirits dancing in the sky or messages from the
gods. Today, scientists study them to understand
more about space weather and how solar activity
influences Earth. But for most of us, the Northern
Lights remain a beautiful mystery—a reminder of
how amazing our planet and space truly are. If you
ever get the chance to see them, it will surely be an
unforgettable experience.
30. What's the main cause of the Northern Lights?
A. Ice shining in the sky.
B. Tiny pieces from the Sun hitting Earth's air.
C. City lights near cold places.
D. Lightning in the Arctic Circle.
31. Which is the best place to watch the Northern
Lights?
A. Hot places near the equator.
B. Big cities with lots of lights.
C. Cold countries near the North Pole.
D. Beaches with warm weather.
32. What does the writer mean by "a beautiful
mystery" in the last paragraph?
A. We know everything about them now.
B. They're pretty, but they hold secrets.
C. They're amazing, like spirits dancing in the sky.
D. They're the messages from the gods.

答案： 30. B 细节理解。根据第二段中“The Sun always sends out…and make them light up.”可知，太阳发出的微小粒子(太阳风)来到地球，与地球磁场相遇并移向南北极，撞击空气中的气体使其发光，所以北极光的主要成因是来自太阳的微小粒子撞击地球的空气。
31. C 细节理解。根据第三段中“The best places to see the Northern Lights…”可知，观看北极光的最佳地点是靠近北极圈的国家。
32. B 词义猜测。根据最后一段中“Ancient cultures believed…But for most of us，the Northern Lights remain a beautiful mystery”可知，古代文化认为北极光是天空中跳舞的神灵或来自神灵的信息，如今科学家研究它们以了解更多关于太空天气以及太阳活动如何影响地球。对于大多数人来说，北极光既美丽又存在很多未知等待探索。B项“它们很漂亮，但它们隐藏着秘密”符合a beautiful mystery的意思。