七選五閱讀專題訓練

本刊試題研究中心

Task 1

Australia's native and unique wildlife—koalas are under constant threat from human activity and natural disasters. 1 Therefore, protecting the unique species is important.

So, what is so special about koalas and what makes them so “cool”? 2 Or could it be their laid-back appearance due to the fact that they are herbivores （食草動物） and mainly feed on juicy eucalyptus leaves, which take a lot of time and energy to digest.

What is amazing is that because they often live in a dry and hot environment, they drink very little water. 3 Well, scientists have discovered that these wild mammals lick running water off the smooth surface of a tree trunk when it is raining. This phenomenon is called “stemflow”.

Valentina Mella, the lead author of the research from the University of Sydney, told the BBC， “I think the main message is that behavioural observations in the wild are very important to establish what is normal and what is unusual, and to truly understand what animals need. 4 ”

5 However, these sleepy creatures do need a drink sometimes. And if we're to encourage them to grow well, we need to conserve their habitat.

A. So, how do they survive?

B. If we watch them carefully, they will tell us.

C. These adorable-looking creatures appear friendly and easy to control.

D. Maybe it is their ability to sleep for up to 22 hours a day.

E. A lot of koalas lost their lives in the bushfires in 2019.

F. The word “koala” means “no drink” or “no water”.

G. It's no wonder that people are concerned about the future of the species.

Task 2

On a hot summer day, nothing tastes better than a nice slice of watermelon. Understanding the best growing conditions for watermelons will help you grow this wonderful fruit.

1 The plants do all the work. They grow great in the south during warmer seasons, so if you live in the north, you can follow the given tips to succeed.

Firstly, you should start early varieties in the house and plant transplants （移植物） instead of planting seeds directly into the soil. Watermelons prefer sandy soil over others. 2

Another tip is that the transplanted watermelon seedlings (幼苗) should be planted 2 to 3 feet apart. You should definitely include 7 to 10 rows between. 3 But don't start them too early because large growing watermelon seedlings don't do well when transplanted.

When thinking about how to grow watermelons, you want to be sure that you keep the area free from weeds. A good, shallow hoeing （鋤地） is best. 4 And you certainly don't want to cut any shoots off the main plant. Another thing to think about when considering how to grow watermelons is that they need plenty of water. You should especially give them water when it gets dry, as it often does in the dead of summer.

5 If the bottom where it sits in the soil is yellow, the watermelon is probably ripe for you to enjoy.

A. You do not want to disturb the roots.

B. Growing watermelons is not that difficult.

C. The plants should be started indoors and then put outside.

D. Growing watermelons takes about 120 days from start to finish.

E. You can also transplant a seedling that has been started indoors into the soil.F. Growing watermelons also requires space as the plants spread on the ground.

G. Growing conditions for watermelons include lots of sunshine during the day and warm nights.

Task 3

Studying abroad is full of adventures. To get the most out of your time with your host family, check out our tips.

Be open and communicative.

You are allergic to peanuts, don't like seafood, or have a fear of dogs of all sizes?1 They should know the most important facts about you from your paperwork, but some things cannot be stressed enough—especially when it comes to health issues.

Accept the differences.

You will probably have to get used to different food and house rules that are not the same as back home. Remember: different, new, and not the same don't have to mean bad.Things are done in other ways around the world. As long as everything works, this is a good thing of the learning experience. 2

Get to know your host family.

Be interested in what your host family works, eats, or does for fun. Ask questions,be curious, and try to learn about and from them. It's the best way to discover a different culture and practice your vocabulary. 3

Mind your manners.

4 Keep your room clean. Don't leave the dishes in the sink or the empty milk jugs in the fridge. Help carry the groceries from the car to the house. Do not sleep all day Sunday and complain that there's no breakfast ready when you wake up.

5

If you don't like the radio station in the car or the show everyone is watching on TV,take a deep breath and don't complain. After a few weeks or months, you can go back to your old life and have loads of good stories and memories to share.

A. Let's face it.

B. Respect the schedule.

C. Remember that it's all temporary.

D. Tell your host family about it right away.

E. Participating in activities is a great bonding experience.

F. You do not live in a hotel and your host mom is not your maid.

G. But respect personal space and don't force a relationship with your host family.

Task 4

I was giving my 5-year-old a bath one night when she looked out of the window at our fence and announced, “You know, Mamma, sometimes, looking at trees helps you to think.” 1 What a deep observation from a little child! “You are right,” I encouraged her. “What are you thinking about?”

Lately, there have been a lot of changes going on in my life at work. Business has been hard and I have been doing a lot of consultation with customers who haven't been able to afford help. 2 I have a need and a desire to help, but I often say “Yes”when my wallet should be saying “No”!

The last few years have been such a struggle for so many of my customers from so many walks of life. 3 Worse yet, I always have a voice in the back of my head that says if I don't relax or learn a better way to deal with stress, cancer might come near!

So when my daughter said that sentence, I promised to spend more time in nature.

4 It is so healing. I have spent a few gym days for hikes in the hills above my house. 5 I am always more clear-headed after that. So I plan on spending some time this summer in southern California, enjoying thinking at the base of an old, wise tree—with my daughter, of course.

A. I struggle with this.

B. What she said is so true.

C. My health is on the downside.

D. I decided to stop the busy life.

E. I just sat in surprise and silence.

F. I have trouble sleeping, sometimes.

G. Have you ever sat in a park and stared at a tree?