A
(2016·全国Ⅲ卷,C)
If you are a fruit grower—or would like to become one—take advantage of Apple Day to see what’s around.It’s called Apple Day but in practice it’s more like Apple Month.The day itself is on October 21,but since it has caught on,events now spread out over most of October around Britain.
Visiting an apple event is a good chance to see,and often taste,a wide variety of apples.To people who are used to the limited choice of apples such as Golden Delicious and Royal Gala in supermarkets,it can be quite an eye opener to see the range of classical apples still in existence,such as Decio which was grown by the Romans.Although it doesn’t taste of anything special,it’s still worth a try,as is the knobbly(多疙瘩的) Cat’s Head which is more of a curiosity than anything else.
There are also varieties developed to suit specific local conditions.One of the very best varieties for eating quality is Orleans Reinette,but you’ll need a warm,sheltered place with perfect soil to grow it,so it’s a pipe dream for most apple lovers who fall for it.
At the events,you can meet expert growers and discuss which ones will best suit your conditions,and because these are family affairs,children are well catered for with apple-themed fun and games.
Apple Days are being held at all sorts of places with an interest in fruit,including stately gardens and commercial orchards(果园).If you want to have a real orchard experience,try visiting the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale,near Faversham in Kent.
【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了苹果节举办的时间、项目及地点。重点提到苹果节上种类丰富的苹果品种和有关苹果种植的相关知识,特别指出可以与苹果种植专家进行讨论等。再加上孩子们喜欢的以苹果为主题的趣味游戏,可以说,对于那些对苹果及苹果种植感兴趣的人极具吸引力。
1.Whatcanpeopledoattheappleevents?
A.Attendexperts’lectures.
B.Visitfruit-lovingfamilies.
C.Plantfruittreesinanorchard.
D.Tastemanykindsofapples.
答案:D
解析:细节理解题。由第二段第一句“Visitinganappleeventisagoodchancetosee,andoftentaste,awidevarietyofapples.”可知,在苹果节的活动中,人们可以品尝到各种苹果。故选D项。
2.What can we learn about Decio?
A.It is a new variety. B.It has a strange look.
C.It is rarely seen now. D.It has a special taste.
答案:C
解析:推理判断题。由第二段第二句中的“...itcanbequiteaneyeopenertoseetherangeofclassicalapplesstillinexistence,suchasDeciowhichwasgrownbytheRomans.”可推知,Decio是以前由罗马人种植的一种苹果,现在的人们能够看到这种苹果就算是大开眼界了。由此推知现在Decio苹果非常罕见。故选C项。
3.What does the underlined phrase “a pipe dream” in Paragraph 3 mean?
A.A practical idea. B.A vain hope.
C.A brilliant plan. D.A selfish desire.
答案:B
解析:词义猜测题。由第三段第二句可知,OrleansReinette果品上佳,但是对温度、环境、土壤的要求很高,因此,对大多数喜欢种植该苹果的爱好者来说是apipedream(白日梦)。
4.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A.To show how to grow apples.
B.To introduce an apple festival.
C.To help people select apples.
D.To promote apple research.
答案:B
解析:写作意图题。通读全篇可知,文章主要介绍了一个关于苹果的节日——苹果节。故选B项。
