There was once a very wide tree in South Africa. 60 people could stand in its hollow trunk(空心树干). The tree reached over 18 meters into the sky and it was more than 1, 100 years old. But recently, that tree and others like it have died.1.

The tree was a baobab(猴面包树). Baobab trees grow in Africa and are called"the Tree of Life”.

Baobab trees usually live a long time. One of the oldest stood for more than 2, 400 years.

2.They noticed that nine of the thirteen oldest baobab trees and five of the six largest died in the following 12 years.

Stephan Woodborne, one of the six scientists, says more research(研究)is needed to know why the trees died.3.That's because the trees clearly weren't sick. Besides, many were in national parks, so they were protected from human activities. They believe that increasing temperatures and changing rainy seasons have made it harder for baobabs to live.

"The big ones and the old ones caught the attention of people, Woodborne says. "But it's not just those. 4.People should be more environment-friendly. It is one way to help protect baobabs and other trees from the effects of climate change, according to Woodborne. 5.

“We need to think about the way we live our lives. "Woodborne says. "If we all change what we do a little bit, it will start to make a difference.”

A.That could mean using less energy(能源) and making less waste(废料), when possible.

B.Smaller and younger baobabs are dying too.

C.However, they think climate change may be the main reason.

D.Scientists are wondering why.

E.In 2005, scientists began a research to find out the age of more than 60 baobabs.

One morning when I was 11, I explored the town’s abandoned (废弃的) round grain barn. I found a chained sliding door that was wide enough for me to pass through.

Inside, there was a heavy smell of dead mice in the dark. After my eyes adjusted, I noticed a shaft (通风管道) that rose all the way to the top of the barn. On one side was a one-man elevator with a long rope and roller.

I stepped onto the platform, gave the rope a drag and the elevator began sliding up the shaft, but stopped halfway. After a brief panic attack, I noticed there were some holes formed a ladder (阶梯). For reasons known only to an 11-year-old, I decided it would be better to go up than down. So, with shaking hands, I began climbing up.

After what seemed like forever, I reached the top of the shaft. I stood up and found nothing of interest. It was just an empty room with a ladder leading up to the roof. I tried my best to climb all the way up but it was very difficult. There was too much heavy dust. When dust was blown, I even couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know how long it took but luckily I climbed up, popped the straw roof and saw a bright blue sky.

I suddenly realized the dust and powder pouring out of the top could draw attention. So when the dust had settled, I climbed down and slipped out of the chained door. I’m not sure if I was more excited about being alive or about not being caught, but I ran all the way back home.

1.Which picture can match the passage?

A. B.

C. D.

2.When the author got inside the barn, he________.

A.noticed a man on the elevator B.opened the chained sliding door

C.saw many dead mice in the dark D.found a shaft leading to the top

3.Which of the following is the right order of the author’s adventure?

a. The elevator stopped halfway. b. He entered the round grain barn.

c. He climbed to the top of the shaft. d. He slipped out of the chained door.

A.b-a-c-d B.a-c-b-d C.c-a-d-b D.b-c-a-d

4.From the passage, we can learn that the author was probably a boy full of ________.

A.passions B.dreams C.curiosity D.imagination

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