1 . No matter where you go, you’ll notice something strange about trees—the fact that their bottoms are painted white. Generally speaking, the purpose of whitewashing is to protect trees from heat and insects.     1    . Let’s check them out!

Blocking the sun

You might sometimes notice that some tree trunks’ surfaces get dry and crack easily.     2    . Simply put, they are exposed to the burning sun and the temperatures change wildly between day and night. Fortunately, painting a tree’s trunk white is similar to adding sunscreen, which helps block the sun.

Heat protection

    3    .White paint reflects the heat and allows trees to spend more time on transpiration (蒸腾) and growing their fruits. Additionally, when trees are cooler, they have less stress, which makes their stomata (气孔) stay open a bit longer for the exchange of gases.

Defending against pests

More often than not, a tree’s surface will crack, allowing insects to creep inside.     4    . Therefore, people whitewash trees using latex paint and water, which prevents insects from climbing up trees and entering inside through the cracks.

    5    

Last but not least, the surface of trees is painted white to make them more visible, specifically for those on the side of the road. Why is that important? Because accidents involving trees are extremely common, especially during the night, when drivers can not see them much more clearly.

A．Stopping accidents

B．Improving visibility

C．Whitewashing is a good way to solve the problem

D．The cause of this phenomenon has already been found

E．Whitewashing helps young trees remain cool in spring

F．However, there’re many other reasons for whitewashing trees

G．Bacteria will feed on the tree’s inner parts, eventually killing it

2 . A nightmare plot turned into a miracle-like rescue in Colorado on Sunday. Three children aged 4 to 11 years old were playing on the icy pond at The Addison at Cherry Creek apartments. Suddenly they fell in and were sinking in the freezing water. Dusti Talavera, who lives at the apartment complex, was looking out her window when she saw the kids fall in. Talavera, 23, said she did not hesitate to put on her shoes and rush to the pond, which is 15 feet deep.

“Before I realized it, I was on the pond pulling the two kids out, and that was when I fell in the pond for the third kid,” Talavera said during a press conference on Monday. Two of the kids were saved and Talavera began to pull a 6-year-old up to the surface, but was struggling. That was when a 16-year-old male, identified as the cousin of the 6-year-old, jumped in to help.

As deputies (警官) rushed to the scene, they heard that people were out of the pond, but one was not breathing. Deputy David Rodriguez immediately began chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, CBS Denver reports. Two other deputies, Blaine Moulton and Justin Dillard, also assisted. She was rushed to Children’s Hospital and was breathing and had a pulse.

“Seeing her breathe was a massive relief,” said Dillard. The girl has been transferred to Denver Health, and as of Monday was in serious condition, but expected to survive, according to CBS Denver.

1. What can we learn from paragraph 1?

A．The accident happened on a summer Sunday.

B．Without thinking Talavera offered the kids help.

C．The kids were playing with Talavera on the pond.

D．Talavera lives far from where the accident happened.

2. Who helped Talavera pull the third kid out?

A．A deputy.

B．A teenager.

C．A doctor.

D．A reporter.

3. Which of the following can best describe Talavera?

A．Brave and helpful.	B．Cautious and patient.
C．Far-sighted and generous.	D．Warm-hearted and modest.

4. What’s the text mainly about?

A．A timely rescue.	B．A serious drowning.
C．Some lucky children.	D．Some honorable rescuers.

3 . Abundant yet rough, diverse yet unique, Jamaica is an island of contrasts. Kingston, on the southern coast, is the island country’s capital and most populated city. Dive in one of the south coast’s four bays and see hundreds of species of fish.

Food & Drink

Jerk chicken or pork is a must; the island spice flavours it perfectly. Watch and learn island cooking at Zimbali’s Cooking Studio, and don’t forget to sample some of the freshly caught seafood available all around the island. For a sweet treat, try the fried bananas or any of the island’s fresh fruit. For coffee lovers, Blue Mountain coffee is a treat.

Activities

Adventure-seekers can climb the Blue Mountains, raft the White River, shoot down a zip line, or ride horses along the beach. Nature and wildlife tours are also available. Those who want a more laid-back holiday can soak up the sun on the beaches, play one or all of the 12 golf courses.

Attractions

In Montego Bay, the coral reefs are spectacular and well worth a day’s diving. Blue Hole or Dunn’s River Falls, both near Ocho Rios, are fun ways to cool off in the water. The Rose Hall Great House is beautiful (and its story is scary)—but everyone comes out alive. You could also book a day trip to Appleton Rum Estate and tour the distillery(酿酒厂).

Accommodation

Jamaica Inn has a well-deserved reputation for old school elegance. A landmark in Jamaica, this five-star private property has been welcoming guests, including well-known names like Marilyn Monroe and Ian Fleming, for over half a century. Located in the easternmost part of the island, the Inn has good ocean views.

1. What makes Jerk chicken or pork delicious?

A．Fresh fruit.

B．Seafood.

C．The island spice.

D．The special climate.

2. What can tourists do in Jamaica according to the text?

A．Sample flavoured seafood.	B．Try fried chicken.
C．Ride horses in mountains.	D．Go diving in the bay.

3. What do we know about Jamaica Inn?

A．It is state—owned.	B．It used to be a school.
C．It ever received celebrities.	D．It stands off the island.