阅读理解
On many days
I admit that I feel depressed, days when it seems that the efforts, the
struggles, and the sacrifices of so many people fighting for social and
environmental justice, fighting prejudice and racism, are fighting a losing
battle.
But
without hope, all is lost. It is a crucial survival character that has
supported our species from the time of our Stone Age ancestors. Certainly, my
own improbable journey would have been impossible if I had lacked hope.
Like all
people who live long enough, I have been through many dark periods and seen so
much suffering. I was in New York on that terrible day in 2001. I still can
remember the disbelief, the fear, the confusion as the city went quiet except
the whistles of the police cars and ambulances on the streets emptied of
people.
It was ten
years after that day that I was introduced to the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear
tree discovered a month after the collapse of the towers. All that was left was
half a trunk that had been burned black, with roots that were broken and only
one living branch.
She was
almost sent to the dump, but the young woman who found her, Rebecca Clough, begged
that the tree be given a chance. And so she went to be cared for in a nursery
in the Bronx. Bringing that seriously damaged tree back to health was not an
easy task, and it was touch-and-go for a while. But whenever you give her a
chance, nature returns. Eventually the tree made it. In the
spring, her branches are
bright with blossoms. I've seen people looking at her and wiping away tears. She
is a symbol of the resilience (适应力) of nature — and a reminder of all that was lost on that terrible
day 20 years ago.
The
Survivor Tree, brought back from the dead, had not only put out new leaves
herself but also nurtured (养育) the lives of others. Now do you understand how I dare hope?
(1)
What can we know about the author?
A . She wanted to fight for justice.
B . She once lost hope in her journey.
C . She felt hopeful despite many difficulties.
D . She planned to remove prejudice and racism.
(2)
Which of the following can best describe the author's feeling on the terrible day in 2001?
A . Scared and annoyed.
B . Frightened and shocked.
C . Thrilled and desperate.
D . Disappointed and puzzled.
(3)
What happened to the Survivor Tree after the towers fell down?
A . The tree was slightly damaged.
B . The tree nearly got abandoned.
C . The tree was destroyed on the spot.
D . The tree got nothing but a trunk left.
(4)
What is the main purpose of the passage?
A . To call on people to protect nature.
B . To show the great strength of a tree.
C . To expect people to care for damaged trees.
D . To share the author's reasons to keep optimistic.
答案: C
B
B
D