题目内容
In the 1950s, a family that owned a farm near Beulah, Michigan kept a bull chained to an elm (榆树). The bull paced around the tree, dragging the heavy iron chain, which led to a groove (槽) in the bark . The groove deepened over the years. Though for whatever reason, it did not kill the tree.
After some years, the family took their bull away. They cut the chain, leaving the loop around the tree and one link hanging down.
Then one year, agricultural disaster struck Michigan in the form of Dutch Elm Disease. All of the elms lining the road leading to the farm became infected and died. Everyone thought that the old elm would be the next.
The farm owners considered doing the safe thing: pulling it out and cutting it up into firewood before it died. But they simply could not bring themselves to do it. It was as if the old tree had become a family friend. So they decided to let nature take its course.
Amazingly, the tree did not die. Nobody could understand why it was the only elm still standing in the county!
Plant experts from Michigan State University came out to observe the tree. They observed the scar left by the iron chain, now almost completely covered by bark. The experts decided that it was the chain that saved the elm’s life. They reasoned that the tree must have absorbed so much iron from the chain that it became immune to the virus.
It’s said that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. Or, as Earnest Hemingway put it, "Life breaks us all, but afterwards, many of us are strongest at the broken places."
- 1.
What did the family do with the elm when the agricultural disaster hit Michigan one year?
- A.They invited plant experts to observe it
- B.They pulled it out and chopped it up into firewood
- C.They prevented it from being infected by the disease
- D.They did nothing and just let it be
- A.
- 2.
Which of the following statements is TRUE?
- A.A groove formed because of natural forces
- B.The family decided to keep the tree because they had become attached to it
- C.All of the elms in Beulah, Michigan died of the disease
- D.The plant experts advised the family to chop it down
- A.
- 3.
What actually saved the elm?
- A.The bull
- B.The groove
- C.The iron chain
- D.The experts
- A.
- 4.
What would be the best title for the passage?
- A.Let nature take its course
- B.Strengthened by our wounds
- C.Constant dripping wears away a stone
- D.Bend, but don’t break
- A.
试题分析:在一个农场了,一颗榆树上用铁链子拴住一头牛,牛整天围着树转,形成了深深的疤痕,后来牛被牵走了,留下了铁链。一年榆树遭灾,许多树感染死亡,而这颗榆树却活了下来。专家说是铁链子使榆树有了免疫力。通过讲述一棵榆树的命运向读者讲述这样一个道理:伤疤困难会使我们更坚强地战胜困难,取得胜利。
1.细节理解题。根据文中的So they decided to let nature take its course.可知,他们决定顺其自然和D项意思一致。
2.推理判断题。A。第一段介绍:槽不是自然的力量,而是主人把一头牛用一个链子拴在树上形成的;根据第三段的描述,这家人把树看作是一个朋友;所有通往农场的道路两边的榆树都死了;文中没有提到植物专家的事。所以其他都不对,只有B正确。
3.细节理解题。根据文中的The experts decided that it was the chain that saved the elm’s life.可知,是铁链子救了榆树的命。所以选C。
4.主题归纳题。根据最后一段的意思可知:伤痛使人更坚强。所以选B。
考点:故事类阅读。
Some scientists say that animals in the ocean are increasingly threatened by noise pollution caused by human beings. The noise that affects sea creatures comes from a number of human activities. It is caused mainly by industrial underwater explosions, ocean drilling, and ship engines. Such noises are added to natural sounds. These sounds include the breaking of ice fields, underwater earthquakes, and sounds made by animals themselves.
Decibels(分贝) measured in water are different from those measured on land. A noise of 120 decibels on land causes pain to human ears. In water, a decible level of 195 would have the same effect.
Some scientists have suggested setting a noise limit of 120 decibles in oceans. They have observed that noises above that level can frighten and confuse whales.
A team of American and Canadian scientists discovered that loud noises could seriously injure some animals. The research team found that powerful underwater explosions were causing whales in the area to lose their hearing, which seriously affected the whales’ ability to exchange information and find their way. Some of the whales even died. The explosions had caused their ears to bleed and become infected(感染的).
Many researches whose work depends on ocean sounds disagree with a limit of 120 decibels. They say such a limit would mean an end to important industrial and scientific research.
Scientists do not know how many and what kinds of noises are harmful to ocean animals. However, many scientists suspect that noise is a greater danger than they previously believed. They want to prevent noises from harming creatures in the ocean.
【小题1】The second paragraph mainly tells us that the noises on land and in water .
A.are both from human activities. |
B.both do harm to sea animals |
C.are measured differently |
D.have the same effect on humans |
A.They are deaf to noises. |
B.Noises at a certain level may hurt them. |
C.They are easily confused by noises. |
D.Noises will limit their ability to reproduce. |
A.protect whales from noises |
B.benefit them a lot in their research work |
C.do good to their health |
D.increase industrial output |
A.Count the number of sea animals. |
B.Stop their research on the ocean. |
C.Study the effect of different noises. |
D.Protect sea creatures from harmful noises. |
Enjoy the sumptuous Easter lunch buffet and children will be given the lovely Easter chocolate eggs. Time:Mar, 28-Mar 30, 1998 11:00 am—3:00 pm Place:lucky corner coffee shop(hotel first floor) Price:150 + 15% service charge half price for children under 12 years old. Reservations:Scitech hotel 65123388-2114 or 2164 |
Bring your family and friends along to The Palace Hotel this Easter and enjoy the traditional treats of the season. Forget about the calories and enjoy favourite goodies such as Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns, which will be sold outside.Palm Court Coffee House every day from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. PALM COURT COFFEE HOUSE Friday, March 28-- lavish fish buffet for lunch and dinner priced at RMB 180 for adults, half price for children. Sunday, March 30--Roast carving buffet priced at RMB 160 for adults, half price for children. ROMA RISTORANTE ITALLANO Sunday, March 30 --Delicious seafood lunch priced at RMB 198 for adults, children under 10 years half price. Youngsters can work off their extra energy in a special supervised play area next to the restaurant. Prices are subject to a 15% surcharge Reservations on 65128899, ext. 7492 for Roma Ristorante: ext. 7561 for Palm Court. |
March 30th brings a fun-filled Easter entertainment program to the Crazy Sunday Brunch at the Patio Coffee Shop from 11:00 am-3:00 pm! Children under 10 years old accompanying their parents will enjoy this special meal for free and can even win lots of treat prices in the Egg Painting Competition! WE GUARANTEE You A Fun Easter Sunday Please register your children for the contest no later than the March 29th as space is limited. For further information and reservations, please call 64376688 ext, 2873/2865 Lido Holiday Inn Beijing RMB 150.00 + 15% Surcharge |
Happy Easter March 30 11:00—14:30 Hilton Hotel The Easter Bunny is coming to town! Join him for a special Easter Brunch at the Atrium cafe and enjoy traditional Easter favourites. RMB 195 + 15% surcharge Children under 12 years old free of charge. Surprise gift for the children at the Kid’s Corner. |
A.weekend activities | B.a holiday celebrations |
C.the price for the meals in big hotels | D.Egg Painting Competition |
A.Lido Holiday Inn | B.Palace Hotel | C.Scitech Hotel | D.Hilton Hotel |
A.Scitech Hotel and Lido Holiday Inn | B.The Palace Hotel and Hilton Hotel |
C.Hilton Hotel and Lido Holiday Inn | D.Scitech Hotel and the Palace Hotel |
A.195 | B.224.25 | C.165.75 | D.97.5 |