Situated in the southeast part of California, Death Valley covers an area of more than 3.3 million
acres, even larger than the famous Yellowstone National Park.
Death Valley is a land of extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth. The
highest ground temperature ever recorded was 93. 90℃ on July 15, 1972. It is the driest place in North
America with an average rainfall of only l.96 inches a year. Death Valley also boasts the lowest point in
the western hemisphere-Bad-water, at 85. 95 meters below sea level.
Death Valley got its name in 1849, when a group of emigrants were looking for a shortcut to the gold
field of California. They were given bad advice and went into the valley. Some of them were killed by the
bad weather and harsh road. When the rest finally walked out, they gavethe area its name by saying to it "Good-bye, Death Valley".
As the name might suggest, there is very little apparent vegetation within Death Valley. First impressions, however, can be deceiving. Death Valley includes more than 1000 species ofplants that have adapted
to the harsh conditions.
Death Valley is also a land of beauties. Sunrise and sunset are two of the most spectacular attractions. Depending on different angles, they show many of the area's different moods.For the best viewing, plan to be there approximately one hour before sunset or before sunrise.
Death Valley National Park is open all year round. In spite of the climate, hiking is one of the most
popular activities in Death Valley. The surrounding mountains produce spectacular wildflower displays
along with snow-covered peaks, breathtaking sand dunes, abandoned mines and industrial structures.
1. All the following statements are the most special natures of Death Valley except_________.
A. it has the largest number of desert plants
B. it has the hottest ground in the world
C. it is the driest place in North America
D. it is the lowest in the western hemisphere
2. From the passage we can know that the name Death Valley comes from the fact that_________.
A. no one can escape from its bad weather
B. it's too hot for any plants to grow there
C. some persons died from its terrible climate at
D. it is so dry that no living things can exist
3. Though Death Valley has horrible living conditions, the author thinks highly of __________.
A. its snow-covered peaks
B．its special climate
C．its wild life
D. the view of sunrise and sunset
4. The purpose of this passage probably is_________.
A. telling us the danger of Death Valley
B. giving us a general introduction of Death Valley
C. encouraging us to pay a visit to Death Valley
D. describing the beauty of Death Valley
