.       In my opinion, this is not an economical way to get more water; ____, it is very expensive.

A. on the other hand   B. on the contrary                   C. in short                       D. or else

----What about going on a trip?

----Sound a good idea. But I don't have time now and____it's too expensive.

   A. somewhat    B. however   C. anyhow   D. therefore

Coffee experts are willing to pay large sums of money for high-quality coffee beans. The high-end beans, such as Kona or Blue Mountain, are known to cost extraordinary sums of money. Then there is Kopi Lowak (translated as “Civet Coffee”), the world’s most expensive coffee, which sells for as much as US $50 per quarter-pound.

This isn’t particularly surprising, because approximately 500 pounds a year of Kopi Lowak make up the entire world supply. What is surprising is why this particular coffee is so rare. In fact, it’s not the plants that are rare. It’s the civet droppings. That’s right, the civet droppings—the body waste of the palm civet. Coffee beans aren’t Kopi Lowak until they’ve been digested(消化) and come out in the body waste of the palm civet.

Palm civets are tree-dwelling, raccoon-like little animals, native to Southeast Asia and the Indonesian islands. They also have a love for coffee cherries. According to Kopi Lowak suppliers, palm civets eat the fruit whole, but only digest the outer fruit, leaving the beans intact(完好无损). While the beans are not destroyed, they undergo a transformation in the animal’s body. A chemical substance in the digestive system of the palm civet causes some changes to the beans to give them a unique flavor(味道). However, this is not the only explanation why coffee beans retrieved from civet droppings have a special flavor all their own. Another possible reason is that palm civets have an unfailing instinct for picking the coffee cherries at the peak of their ripeness.

Kopi Lowak is reported to have a character in taste unlike any other coffee, complex with caramel undertones and an earthy flavor. Currently, most of the world’s supply of Kopi Lowak is sold in Japan, though a few US markets are also starting to stock up on Kopi Lowak.

1.What does “This” in the second paragraph refer to?

A. Civet Coffee.                            B. Blue Mountain coffee.

C. The high price of Kopi Lowak.            D. The unique taste of Kona.

2.Why is Kopi Lowak expensive?

A. There is a very limited supply of the beans.

B. The coffee trees that grow the beans are scarce.

C. It takes a long time for the coffee beans to ripen.

D. Only a few experts know how to produce the beans.

3.What is the main point discussed in the third paragraph?

A. Why palm civets like the coffee beans.

B. Where Kopi Lowak is mainly harvested.

C. What chemicals are found in the civet’s digestive system.

D. How palm civets change coffee fruit to Kopi Lowak beans.

4.Which of the following statements is true, according to the passage?

A. Little palm civets eat only the outer layer of the coffee cherries.

B. Palm civets somehow know the right time when the coffee fruit ripens.

C. Kopi Lowak is most popular in Southeast Asia and the Indonesian islands.

D. Kona and Blue Mountain are the most expensive coffees but only of average quality.

My uncle’s house in the downtown area is a bit smaller than that in the countryside, but it is twice _________ expensive.

Here is some information about several famous local bakeries(面包烤房) in Indiana, the US.They serve as a social gathering place for locals.
Maple Lane Bakery
At 8260 S.State Rd.Claypool, IN.(574) 566-2917, it offers a variety of cooked pies, cookies, and bread.With 20 years’ experience Maple Lane Bakery has specialized in the making of pies.The menu includes peach pie $7.19, berry pie $7.70, apple pie $7.19 and banana pie $6.99.Feel free to place an order at least 24 hours in advance.
Betty’s Cakes & Candy Shop
At 816 E.Winona Avenue Warsaw, IN.(574) 269-1231, it specializes in cakes and offers cookies and candies.The chocolate cookies are sold at $8.99 a dozen.Betty’s Cakes & Candy Shop, started half a century ago, specializes in wedding cakes and birthday cakes.Buying a cake from Betty’s will not disappoint you as they are always excellent.
Crepes’ Quality Bakery
At 217 S.Cavin Street Ligonier, IN.(260) 894-3024, this third generation bakery is located downtown Ligonier.It offers cookies and cupcakes, and specializes in rolls and bread.If you plan to buy cookies for the office or work area, you had better get there early as the building workers arrive just before 5:00 am waiting for the doors to open.
Olympia Candy Kitchen
At 136 N.Main Street Goshen, IN.(574) 533-5040, it has been welcoming visitors for almost a century in its unchanged location in downtown Goshen, Indiana.Its tradition began in 1912 when Greek Nicholas began making his own chocolates.Today this family-owned operation offers all kinds candies and boxed candies.
If you need an order, you should call ahead of time to see if they can meet your request.
【小题1】Which of the following pies is the most expensive?