Although being the second-smallest independent state, only 0.7 square mile in the world, Monaco benefits from an excellent climate and beautiful settings between the Mediterranean Sea and France. Monte Carlo is its only city and capital.

Attractions

Every May Monaco has car racing events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix. In the main harbour, expensive yachts and boats make Monaco a good destination for the rich and famous. Monaco's pleasant climate and environment as well as the absence of taxes contribute to this situation. Tourism contributes about 25% of the government income. Museums, zoos and gardens are tourist attractions, so are the beaches, the royal palace and the opera house.

History

Monaco was built by the Phoenicians who occupied the area from the 10th to the 5th century B.C. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297 and the first Prince Rainier got the throne (王位) in 1304.Later Monaco was under the protection of Rome, France, Spain, and Sardinia. In 1612 when Honore ll was granted the title of prince by the French crown, he signed a treaty of friendship with France, and the country has remained independent from that time on.

People and Religion

Half of the residents of Monaco are the French with many Americans, Italians, the British and Belgians making up the other half. Although the official religion of Monaco is Roman Catholic, there is religious freedom in this French-speaking country.

Government

Prince Rainier Ill rules the country with a minister of state who is French. A National Council with 18 members must approve laws. Its legend was further spread by the marriage of Prince Rainier II to the American actress Grace Kelly in 1956.

1.Which of the following is true about Monaco according to the text?

A.It is on the Mediterranean Sea.

B.It has two cities including its capital.

C.It is the smallest country in the world.

D.Its economy mainly depends on agriculture.

2.Monaco has kept independent till now under the protection of

A.France B.Spain

C.Sardinia D.Rome

3.What can we learn from the text?

A.The residents of Monaco are mainly Americans.

B.Prince Rainier II married an American actress.

C.Half of the residents in Monaco speak English.

D.The minister of Monaco was appointed by the prince.

阅读下面短文，根据所给情节进行续写，使之构成一个完整的故事。

The day of the balloon festival, I felt as light as a hot-air balloon. This year I wouldn’t just be watching. I’d be riding in Mr. J’s truck, following the flight of the balloon and meeting it when it came down.

It was a perfect day. Dad and I drove down the road, circled along the lake and turned into the field that was being used as a parking area. Dad pointed to the lake. “That’s where the balloon festival will take place.” he said. We came to a stop and I got out of the car. And then I saw it, a white bird with black stripes, brown head, and skinny legs. It screamed and beat its wings in the dirt in front of the cars that were driving downhills. Its wings looked broken. Suddenly it cried bitterly and flew off.

“Dad,” I called, but my father was watching the balloons.

“It’s a killdeer(北美喧鹆).” A silver-haired old woman said to me, adding that there must have been a nest here somewhere. “In the parking area?” I asked. She nodded firmly. “It was a nesting place before it became a parking area. No one told the killdeer about the balloon festival!”

“Jack!” Dad called “Isn’t it time you went down to meet Mr. J?”

“I have got to go.” I said to the woman but she pointed with her walking stick. There, on the ground was a perfect nest of eggs, looking like pebbles(卵石). They were almost in the path of cars, trucks and motorbikes.

Suddenly, the parent bird was back to its nest and its wings both twisted again. “Jack!” Dad called again. “The balloons are ready to fly.”

“Dad! I am…” A truck roared over the hill. Brakes(刹车) screamed and dust flew. “What’s the matter?” asked Dad angrily from the truck.

注意:

1.所续写短文的词数应为 150 左右；

2.至少使用 5 个短文中标有下划线的关键词语；

3.续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；

4.续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。

Paragraph 1:

“Dad, I am not going,” I said.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 2:

Soon a number of vehicles surrounded the nest.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

—This is the third time he has got the first place in the test !

—In my opinion，he is, ________，one of the best students in the class.

A.out of the question B.out of place

C.out of question D.out of shape

At last, I should thank Mr. White for the ________ of speaking here.

A.prejudice B.privilege C.ambition D.favor

In that school, German is compulsory for all students, but English and French are ________.

A.special B.regional C.optional D.original

Rita loves her son so much that she ________ two hours every Sunday afternoon to spend with him.

A.set aside B.set back C.set out D.set off

Even if he has been a teacher for 20 years, Peter has a good and serious attitude towards his work, for which he gains a lot of ________.

A.competence B.motivation C.expectation D.recognition

Share prices on the stock exchange fell sharply in the morning but ________ slightly in the afternoon.

A.reformed B.recovered C.responded D.remained

He accidentally ________ he had quarreled with his wife and he hadn’t returned home for several weeks.

A.put forward B.made out C.came up D.let out

—How is the result, doctor?

—Well, your health is ________ good, but you do have a few minor problems.

A.normally B.frequently C.generally D.regularly