Passage Four

One of the greatest problems for those settlers in Nebraska in the last quarter of the previous century was fuel. Little of the state was forested when the first settlers arrived and it is probable that by 1880, only about one-third of the originally forested area remained, down to a mere 1 percent of the state’s 77,000 square miles. With wood and coal out of the question, and with fuel needed year-round for cooking, and during the harsh winter months for heating, some solution had to be found.

Somewhat improbably, the buffalo provided the answer. Buffalo chips (干粪块) were found to burn evenly, hotly, and cleanly, with little smoke and interestingly, no odor, Soon, collecting them became a way of life for the settlers’ children who would pick them up on their way to and from school, or take part in competitions designed to counteract their natural reluctance. Even a young man, seeking to impress the girl he wanted to marry, would arrive with a large bag of chips rather than with a box of candy or a bunch of flowers.

76. What is the main topic of this passage?

The solution to the Nebraska settlers’ fuel problem.

Life in Nebraska in the late ninteenth century.

The imporance of the American buffalo.

Deforestation in Nebraska in the late nineteenth century.

77. Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Nebraska was not a densely-forested state even before the settlers arrived.

The children enjoyed collecting the buffalo chips.

The children spent a lot of time collecting the chips.

Buffalo chips were satisfactory as a fuel.

78. The passage implies that buffalo chips were needed _______.

A. in greater amounts in summer B. in greater amounts in winter

C. only in summer D. only in winter

79. Which of the following does the author not express surprise at?

The children needed competitions to them.

The buffalo chips gave off no smell.

Buffalo chips were the answer to the settlers’ fuel problem.

Young men took bags of buffalo chips to their girl friends.

80. What’s the best title of the passage?

A. Early Settlers B. One Use of the Buffalo Chips

C. Nebraska’s Problems D. How Young Men Express Their Love for Girls

Ⅴ. Writing (20 points)

Directions:

For this part, you are allowed 20 minutes to write a letter of about 80 words according to the following situation.

你叫李平，是英语系学生会主席。写一封信给王教授，请他做一个有关中国历史的报告。注意信中要包括目的、时间、日期和地点。