1 . Jones was 21 when she said that she didn’t actually mind being cheated.
| A．ashamed | B．shocked |
| C．excited | D．amused |
2 . Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptile in the world and can eat large prey (猎物). They hide at the edge of the water, waiting for prey. Then, without warning, they lunge. They grab their prey in their powerful jaws and drag it under water. Saltwater crocodiles don’t often miss their target.
One day, David George found himself in a swamp. It was the home of saltwater crocodiles. David knew they were there because he could see their tracks.
David thought his only chance of survival was to climb a tree and tie himself to a branch. Two big saltwater crocodiles, however, waited under the tree. He would have to come down sometime!
What does the underlined word “swamp” mean?
| A．A flat area higher than the ground. |
| B．Land that an animal thinks of as its own. |
| C．Very wet, flooded ground. |
| D．A long body part around the mouth. |
3 . I still have a thousand questions as to why I struggled to act. Why did it take me many circles around the mall and an argument with myself? I once wavered between helping her and ignoring her. All I know for sure is that while walking toward that woman at the bus stop, a miracle happened.
What does the underlined word “wavered” in paragraph 4 probably mean?
| A．Hesitated. | B．Disagreed. | C．Balanced. | D．Objected. |
4 . “They tell me that you’d like to make a statue (塑像) of me-is that correct, Miss Vinnie Ream?”
The deep, gentle voice helped calm the nervous girl. Asking a favor of the President of the United States was no casual matter, especially for a seventeen-year-old girl.
“Yes, sir” she replied, her dark eyes meeting his. “I wouldn’t have dared to ask you, but my teacher, Mr. Mills, says I am ready. I plan to make it in an admirable manner.”
President Lincoln smiled. “Painters, sculptors they’ve all tried to make the best of this ordinary face, but I'm afraid there's not much hope. What did you have in mind, Miss Ream? A bust (半身像)?”
Before Vinnie could say yes, the President hurried on, a shade of apology in his voice, “Of course -I shouldn’t have asked. A full-length pose would be much too big a project for a young woman your size.”
Vinnie’s face turned red. She realized she looked like a child, with her tiny figure. “Small does not mean weak, sir,” She defended herself, “I was born in the country of Wisconsin. I’ve driven teams of houses and carried water. Making a full-ength clay (粘土) figure would not exhaust my strength — and that is what I intend to do!”
The President’s eyes, brightened at her show of spirit. “Sorry, madam. I have underestimated you as I didn't know your background.”
But his smile faded as he rubbed his beard with bony fingers, in thought. “Miss Ream,” he sighed. “I’d like to let vou do it, but as vou know. we are in the middle of a war. How could I possibly take the time to pose for a sculpture now? I hardly have a minute to myself.”
Vinnie glanced around and noted the size of his office. “I work quickly,” she said. Her voice was soft but confident as she pointed to the corner near the windows. “If I were to bring my clay here and work for three hours every afternoon, I could complete most of the project while you are at your desk.”
The President seemed to consider her idea seriously. He got up and shook Vinnie’s hand warmly, “I've heard that you are a talented young woman, and I have found you charming and intelligent as well. I cannot make my decision immediately, but you will hear from me soon.”
The very next day, Vinnie received an invitation from the President.
What message does the story convey?
| A．A strong-willed soul can reach his goal. |
| B．Experience helps to promote excellence. |
| C．Ups and downs make one strong. |
| D．Devotion requires enthusiasm. |
