A
I've been really into surfing (冲浪) for more than fifteen years. I started learning in England, then I began going on surfing holidays abroad with my friends — we went to Bali in Indonesia, and also South Africa. After that I started wanting bigger challenges (挑战), so five years ago I decided to try the really big waves in Hawaii. Of course they can be dangerous, but it's worth it for the excitement you get when you're riding them. It's a magical feeling, like flying above the ocean, and for those few seconds you totally forget everything else in your life.
—James
I started climbing about twenty years ago, and I've now climbed three of the highest five mountains in Europe. It can be dangerous, and I've had some scary moments, but the sense of achievement when you reach the top is amazing.
—Mike
Part of me had always wanted to try skydiving (跳伞), but I was really afraid the first time. The worst bit was just before I jumped out of the plane — I wanted to be back on the ground, not 4,000 metres up in the air. As a beginner you don't do it on your own — you're attached to the professional instructor who helps you land safely. That first time was five years ago, and since then I've done more than twenty jumps on my own.
—Susan
I became interested in snowboarding the very first time I tried it. I soon realised I had a natural talent for it, and it wasn't long before I was winning competitions and getting a bit of prize money. My dream is to be able to make my living just from boarding, so I now take three months off work every winter to perfect my skills.
—Teresa
【语篇解读】 本文是应用文。四个极限运动爱好者各自介绍了他们所从事的极限运动。
21．What was the main purpose for James to go surfing in Hawaii?
A．To find himself.
B．To challenge himself.
C．To learn from his friends.
D．To experience flying above the ocean.
答案与解析：B 细节理解题。由第一部分中的“wanting bigger challenges... decided to try the really big waves in Hawaii”可知，詹姆斯去夏威夷冲浪是因为那里海浪大，可以有更大的挑战。
22．How long has Susan been skydiving?
A．Three months. B．Five years.
C．Fifteen years. D．Twenty years.
答案与解析：B 细节理解题。由第三部分中的“That first time was five years ago, and since then I've done more than twenty jumps on my own”可知，苏珊已经有五年的跳伞经历。
23．What's Teresa's dream?
A．To discover her natural talent.
B．To have a sense of achievement.
C．To become a professional sportswoman.
D．To take part in a national competition.
答案与解析：C 细节理解题。由最后一部分中的“My dream is to be able to make my living just from boarding”可知，特蕾莎的梦想是成为一名职业滑雪运动员。
