第二部分 閱讀理解（共兩節(jié)，滿分40分）

第一節(jié)（共15小題；每小題2分，滿分30分）

閱讀下列短文，從每題所給的四個(gè)選項(xiàng)(A、B、C和 D)中，選出最佳選項(xiàng)。

A

Look at the following three special animals.

DOGS DRIVE CAR

Auckland, New Zealand

After two months of learning, Monty, and Porter were able to drive an automobile around a racetrack. “We wanted to prove how smart rescue dogs are,” animal behaviorist Mark Vette says. Vette first used voice commands and treats to teach the dogs how to turn a steering wheel and how to change gear(換擋).

The dogs’ ride only accelerated up to 7.5 miles an hour, and trainers could stop the auto using a remote control.

GOLDEN ZEBRA

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Zoe the zebra’s markings are special. The animal has white and golden stripes. Zoe’s appearance results from a rare condition called amelanosis(黑素缺失癥). Her body doesn’t make enough melanin, the substance in an animal’s skin and hair cells that produces color. “Only 25 other golden zebras are known to exist in the world,” says Ann Goody, who runs the wildlife refuge where Zoe lives. In the wild, life may be difficult for animals with amelanosis because predators(捕獵者) can easily spot them. But Zoe is protected at her refuge.

COCKATOO MAKES TOOLS

Vienna, Austria

When Figaro the cockatoo spots food lying just out of reach from his cage, he builds a tiny wooden tool to sweep the tasty prize in his way.

The bird first revealed his talent when a stone he was playing with rolled out of his cage. The cockatoo couldn’t reach the stone. So he flew away and returned with a small branch, slipping it through the fence to slide the stone toward him.

Wondering if he would do it again, scientists placed a nut exactly where the stone had been. This time, Figaro pulled out a small piece of wood in his cage and dragged the nut toward him.

21. If Zoe the zebra is set free in the wild, she will _____ .

A. meet no natural predators

B. not get along with other zebras

C. manage to make enough melanin

D. be easily found for her appearance

22. What’s special about Figaro the cockatoo?

A. He’s particular about his food.

B. He’s good at drawing support from outside forces.

C. He’s extremely fond of stones.

D. He can tell the difference between stones and nuts.

23. What is the text mainly about?

A. Amazing animals.

B. Ways to help animals.

C. Animals’ unique talents.

D. Tips on training animals.