C. Putting a ball into a round hole. D. Grouping toys of differentshapes.

26. What does the follow-up test aim to find out about the cockatoos?

A. How far they are able to see. B. How they track moving objects.

C. Whether they are smarter than monkeys. D. Whether they use a sense oftouch in the test

27. Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A. Cockatoos: Quick Error Checkers B. Cockatoos: Independent Learners

C. Cockatoos: Clever Signal-Readers D. Cockat0os: Skilful Shape-Sorters

C

As Ginni Bazlinton reached Antarctica, she found herself greeted by a groupof little Gentoo penguins(企鹅) longing to say hello. These gentle, lovelygatekeepers welcomed her and kick-started what was to be a trip Ginni wouldnever forget.

Ever since her childhood, Ginni, now, 71, has had a deep love for travel.Throughout her career (职业) as a professional dancer, she toured in the UK, butalways longed to explore further. When she retired from dancing and her sonseventually flew the nest, she decided it was time to take the plunge.

After taking a degree at Chichester University in Related Arts, Ginni beganto travel the world, eventually getting work teaching English in Japan andChile. And it was in Chile she discovered she could get last-minute cheap dealson ships going to Antarctica from the islands off Tierra del Fuego, thesouthernmost tip of the South American mainland. "I just decided I wanted togo," she says ."I had no idea about what l'd find there and I wasn't nervous, Ijust wanted to do it. And I wanted to do it alone as I always prefer it thatway."

In March 2008, Ginni boarded a ship with 48 passengers she'd never metbefore, to begin the journey towards Antarctica. "From seeing the wildlife towitnessing sunrises, the whole experience was amazing, Antarctica left animpression on me that no other place has," Ginni says. "I remember the firsttime I saw a humpback whale; it just rose out of the water like some prehistoriccreature and I thought it was smiling at us. Yocould still hear the operaticsounds it was making underwater."

The realization that this is a precious land, to be respected by humans,was one of the biggest things that hit home to Ginni.

28. Which of the following best explains "take the plunge" 'underlined inparagraph2?

A. Try challenging things. B. Take a degree.

C. Bring back lost memories. D. Stick to a promise.

29. What made Ginni decide on the trip to Antarctica?

A. Lovely penguins. B. Beautiful scenery.

C. A discount fare. D.A friend's invitation.

30. What does Ginni think about Antarctica after the journey?

A. It could be a home for her. B. It should be easily accessible.

C. It should be well preserved. D. It needs to be fully introduced.

31. What is the text mainly about?

A. A childhood dream. B. An unforgettable experience,

C. Sailing around the world. D. Meeting animals in Antarctica.

D

Sometime in the early 1960s, a significant thing happened in Sydney,Australia. The city discovered its harbor. Then, one after another, Sydneydiscovered lots of things that were sort of there-broad parks, superb beaches,and a culturally diverse population. But it is the harbor that makes thecity.

Andrew Reynolds, a cheerful fellow in his early 10s, pilots Sydneyferryboats for a living. I spent the whole morning shuttling back and forthacross the harbor After our third run Andrew shut down the engine, and we wentout separate ways -he for a lunch break. I to explore the city.

“I'll miss these old boats," he said as we parted

"How do yomean?" I asked.

"Oh, they're replacing them with catamarans. Catamarans are faster, butthey're not so elegant, and they're not fun to pilot. But that's progress, Iguess."

Everywhere in Sydney these days, change and progress are thewatchwords(口号). and traditions are increasingly rare. Shirley Fitzgerald, thecity's official historian, told me that in its rush to modernity in the 1970s,Sydney swept aside much of its past, including many of its finest buildings."Sydney is confused about itself," she said. "We can't seem to make up our mindswhether we want a modern city or a traditional one. I's a conflict that wearen't getting any better at resolving(解决)."

On the other hand, being young and old at the same time has itsattractions. I considered this when I met a thoughtful young businessman namedAnthony. "Many people say that we lack culture in this country," he told me."What people forget is that the Italians, when they came to Australia, brought2000 years of their culture, the Greeks some 3000 years, and the Chinese moresill. We've got a foundation built on ancient cultures but with a drive anddynamism of a young country. It's a pretty hard combination to beat."

He is right, but I can't help wishing they would keep those oldferries.

32. What is the first paragraph mainly about?

A. Sydney's striking architecture. B. The cultural diversity of Sydney.

C. The key to Sydney's development. D. Sydney's tourist attractions in the1960s.

33. What can we learn about Andrew Reynolds?

A. He goes to work by boat. B. He looks forward to a new life.

C. He pilot catamarans well. D. He is attached to the old ferries.