2026年5月托福机经套卷(第5套)Read an Academic Passage5 道题

Coastal Erosion Challenges

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Coastal Erosion Challenges Coastal erosion, the gradual loss of shoreline due to natural forces, poses challenges worldwide. Waves, currents, and rising sea levels are primary contributors to the phenomenon. Strong storms can exacerbate erosion, reshaping coastlines abruptly. For countries with extensive coastal zones, such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands, managing erosion is not only an environmental issue but also an economic and social one. Coastal erosion threatens infrastructure, transportation, and residential areas, necessitating costly investments in protective measures. One strategy to combat erosion is beach nourishment, the addition of sand or sediment to shorelines. While this method provides short-term benefits, frequent replenishment is required. Seawalls and breakwaters, solid structures designed to deflect wave energy and protect coastlines, are longer-term solutions but can alter natural sediment movement, unintentionally accelerating erosion in nearby areas. Recent studies suggest that some natural approaches may be more sustainable. For instance, mangrove forests and dune systems serve as buffers, reducing wave energy before it reaches populated areas. Mangroves not only provide erosion control but also support diverse ecosystems. However, such methods require extensive space and careful planning, making them unsuitable for heavily urbanized coastal zones. This highlights the tension between maintaining natural landscapes and safeguarding human developments along vulnerable coastlines.

Question 1查看单题

The word "exacerbate" in the passage is closest in meaning to

Acause

Bcontribute to

Ccontrol

Dincrease

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正确答案：D

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Question 2查看单题

Why does the author mention Bangladesh and the Netherlands?

ATo illustrate that strong storms pose threats to infrastructure in coastal areas

BTo give examples of countries for which coastal erosion presents challenges beyond environmental ones

CTo provide examples of countries that have recently invested in protecting their coastal infrastructure

DTo acknowledge that coastal erosion is a problem that affects countries in a variety of regions

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正确答案：B

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Question 3查看单题

The passage indicates which of the following about "beach nourishment"?

AIt involves an ongoing commitment to maintain the advantages it offers.

BIt is effective primarily in areas that already have natural dune systems.

CIt is a relatively expensive method of combating erosion.

DIt is primarily effective in areas where the coastal zones have little residential development.

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正确答案：A

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Question 4查看单题

What can be inferred about the "natural approaches" mentioned in the passage?

AThey offer significant protection of coastal areas but are short-term measures.

BThey are easier to implement in areas with high population density.

CThey are less likely than man-made structures to cause unintended harm to surrounding shorelines.

DThey are more effective as a way of protecting biodiversity than as a measure to combat erosion.

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正确答案：C

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Question 5查看单题

The passage indicates each of the following about erosion-control measures EXCEPT:

AThey can sometimes deflect wave energy.

BThey sometimes disrupt transportation in coastal areas.

CThey have greater economic impact in some countries than in others.

DThey vary in the amount of space they require.

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正确答案：B