2013届高三英语三轮专题强化精选：阅读理解82.docVIP

2013届高三英语三轮专题强化精选：阅读理解 1. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, has died at the age of 82. Many people paid tribute to the former astronaut. But other people feel regret that no human has been back to the moon since 1972, just three years after Armstrong landed on it and gave his famous “giant leap for mankind” speech. Elliot Pulham, Chief Executive of the Space Foundation, thinks that America’s space agency NASA should get more money, like in the 1960s, during the moon landings programme, when astronauts went to the moon. “In this age of limited goals and tiny NASA budgets, Armstrong is a reminder of what our nation was once capable of,” he said. Armstrong died because of heart problems after surgery. His recovery seemed to be going well, and his death was a surprise to many people. His family described him as a “reluctant American hero” and said: “Honour his example of service, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.” Speaking from the White House, Barack Obama said Armstrong was “among the greatest of American heroes – not just of his time, but of all time”. He added: “And when Neil stepped on the moon for the first time, it was a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.” Buzz Aldrin flew with Armstrong on Apollo 11. He was the second man to walk on the moon. He said he was very sad at the death of his good friend and companion. “When I look at the moon I remember that special moment, over forty years ago, when Neil and I stood on the moon,” he said. “Looking back at our brilliant blue planet Earth hanging in the darkness of space, I realized that even though we were farther away from Earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone. Almost the entire world took that memorable journey with us. I know many millions of people around the world will join me in mourning the death of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew.