高二英语阅读理解强化训练附解析Day 143

高二英语阅读理解强化训练附解析Day 143

Passage 1

In 2007, Jamie Whitmore was considered as one of the most successful athletes in America.

However, everything changed during a competition that seemed like many others she had conquered. As a professional athlete, Whitmore was used to suffering, but she never imagined the pain in her leg could be a deadly cancer.

What doctors found during surgery shocked them all: Whitmore had Spindle Cell Sarcoma, a soft tissue tumor (肿瘤) that can start in the bone, and the tumor was wrapped around her nerve and touching several vital organs. They couldn’t cut it out fearing to burst the tumor.

When she heard the diagnosis for the first time, Whitmore said, “time stood still, I couldn’t breathe. They were talking about the treatment and I started crying as I didn’t want to die.” Finally, the doctors enlisted the help of several specialists to remove the tumor. Whitmore developed sepsis (败血症) from the surgery and endured a two-month recovery. When she began to feel sick again, Whitmore was sure her cancer was back. Instead, doctors gave her unexpected news: She was pregnant-with twins. “That was a whole other freak-out,” Whitmore recalled.

She has never met a challenge she couldn’t overcome. Today, Whitmore is a mother of two sons and cancer-free. She is competing again,

and has won a gold medal in the Paralympics (残奥会), nine world titles, and has set two world records. She travels as a motivational speaker when she doesn’t spend time with her sons. Whitmore has some words of advice for others with limitations: “Never let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do. Some doctors told me I would never ride anything. And yet I rode my mountain bike 104 miles climbing from 9,000 feet to 14,000 feet. People with two good legs have fallen short of that task! You just can’t give up.”

1. How did Whitmore feel when knowing about her cancer?

A. Sad and scared.

B. Ashamed and regretful.

C. Annoyed and frightened.

D. Astonished and inspired.

2. What does the underlined word “freak-out” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A. Something interesting.

B. Something demanding.

C. Something unusual.

D. Something meaningful.

3. What’s the purpose of Whitmore’s traveling as a speaker?

A. To build up her character.

B. To inspire those with limitations.

C. To spend more time with her children.

D. To earn more money in her spare time.

Passage 2

Carnival was originally a Catholic holiday celebrated from two days to

two weeks. The festival has spread throughout the world. Here are some famous carnivals you should go to see if you have the chance.

1. Curasao, Netherland

This former territory of the Netherlands has a long parade with plenty of live soca and calypso music. No need to stand along the curb on this one though: you can plan and pay in advance to actually join one of the carnival groups and have a costume waiting for them when they arrive.

2. Nice, France

The Nice Carnival entered the history books in 1294 when a prince was in attendance, but it likely goes back much further. The two-week event helps the folks on the French Riviera survive the colder days of winter. 3. Venice, Italy

Venice's Carnival has been around since 1268. There is something so classic, cool and magical about a 5-day carnival in this city of canals. Ifs all about the fine masks which were traditionally made of glass and decorated with feathers.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Who doesn't think Rio when they hear the word Carnival? It is the world's largest and perhaps the most extravagant. But this 7-day festival only dates back to 1723, a newcomer when compared to Europe. Beyond the formal parade there are also many local street celebrations. The music and dancing never seem to stop.