小练习41s.docVIP

西充中学高2011级小练习4(MODULE4 阅读) 命题人 审题 测试时间 2013年05月（5月第1次） ’ve likely been told by your parents not to play with fire. Fire can be dangerous. However, some fires are very healthy and helpful to our plannet. Until the 20th century, almost all forests fires were naturally occurring fires, started by natural means, such as lightning strikes. These fires are a part of our ecosystem(生态系统). When forests fires occur naturally, they tend to move quickly through the forest. They burn the lower branches and clear the deadwood and weeds from the forest floor. For many years, the US government tried to prevent as many forest fires as possible. As a result, forests build up layers of deadwood and brush. This left forests at risk for much fiercer natural fires. The extra deadwood served as fuel. It also kept forests less healthy for trees and wildlife. Forest fires improve the forest as a habitat for large trees that prefer some open space. In addition, forest fires help seeds begin to grow. Some types of trees only let go of seeds when they are exposed (暴露) to great heat. These natural fires also remove sick plants and harmful insects from a forest ecosystem. In recent years forest-management techniques have changed. Scientists understand the importance of fire to the forest. Forest agencies have begun starting controlled fires. These help remove the growth that has build up over so many years. At the same time, people have increased their use of the forest for leisure(休闲的) purposes. Now most forest fires are caused by human carelessness. People Being careless with matches or cigarettes can start fires. Sometimes people leave their campfires unattended. These fires often cause more damage than natural fores because they upset the balance of nature. They also can destroy timber(木材) and harm the soil. Always be careful when you are camping or walking through the woods. Be careful with matches and make sure campfires have been put out properly. We will all see the benefits from thes