新聞英語
High Demand and Low Supply Lead to Maple Syrup Concerns
A favorite topping for pancakes, porridge, and so much more, maple syrup is a kitchen essential for many households. Demand for the sweet liquid has increased dramatically over the past year, thanks in part to the increased cooking many people have been doing during pandemic-related lockdowns. However, a decrease in maple syrup production has caused a shortfall in supply, causing the world’s largest group of maple syrup producers to release some of their emergency reserve.
The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, or QMSP, is often referred to as the OPEC of the maple syrup industry. This is due to the large amount of the global supply it is responsible for producing. Around three-quarters of all maple syrup is supplied by QMSP. Unfortunately, because of the weather conditions during the previous spring harvest season, the amount of maple syrup produced dropped significantly.
Maple syrup production is highly dependent on the weather. Maple trees can only be tapped when temperatures are below freezing at night and slightly above freezing during the day. Unusually warm weather this past spring ended up limiting the number of days when maple syrup could be collected.
Fortunately, QMSP maintains a large reserve of maple syrup for just this type of situation. The group announced that it will be releasing 22 million kilograms of syrup to meet the shortage. So fans of this sweet treat have no need to worry; there will be enough maple syrup for our muffins, teas, and more.
1. What is a reason given for the increased demand for maple syrup?
(A) Maple syrup production has dropped sharply for the past year.
(B) Maple syrup has been proven effective in curing the pandemic.
(C) People started to cook more frequently at home during the pandemic.
(D) People are trying to eat healthier, and maple syrup is good for health.
2. Why is the QMSP often called the OPEC of the maple syrup industry?
(A) They produce approximately 75% of the world’s maple syrup supply.
(B) Their maple syrup is of a higher quality than that of other producers.
(C) Their maple syrup is sold at a faster rate than that of other producers.
(D) They usually sell 22 million kilograms of maple syrup each year.
3. What is necessary for people to collect maple syrup?
(A) Maple tree leaves need to fall off completely.
(B) Maple trees must be planted during the previous harvest season.
(C) The weather needs to be warm and sunny during the spring harvest season.
(D) Daytime temperatures must be above 0°C and nighttime temperatures below 0°C.
答案: 1. C 2. A 3. D
Because of COVID-19, we couldn t travel abroad.
由於新冠肺炎,我們無法出國旅行。
Jim was absent from work yesterday due to illness.
吉姆昨天因生病而沒來上班。
Thanks to the new treatment, the patient's condition has improved.
幸虧有新的療法,這位病人的情況已經好轉。
The driver's carelessness led to the accident.
駕駛員的粗心導致這起意外。
The elderly are often dependent on their children for many things.
老人在很多事情上時常依賴子女。
Your success is dependent on your effort.
成功與否要視你的努力而定。
I knew you would end up borrowing money from me.
我就知道你最後還是會跟我借錢。
Peter’s success is due in part to our help.
彼得的成功有一部分要歸功我們的幫助。
Do not refer to Mandy as your girlfriend. She's your ex-girlfriend now.
別稱曼蒂為女友。她現在是你的前女友。
At the height of winter, temperatures can be as low as ten degrees below freezing.
隆冬時,氣溫可能降到零下十度。