The spring season brings warm weather, flowers and other changes for people to enjoy. For some restaurant cooks, the most exciting spring arrival is ramps.
Ramps are a wild plant in the eastern mountains of North America. They are one of the first plants that grow in the spring. Usually between April and May. They are recognized (识别) by their red stem (茎), and two long and wide green leaves. They are also famous for their strong taste, similar to onions(洋葱).
Ramps are not as well-known as other vegetables, but they have a long history in the United States. In the Appalachian Mountains, ramps have been an important food for a long time. During spring it is common for small towns in the Appalachian area to hold large ramp dinners for the community.
However, over the last 30 years, ramps popularity has grown quickly. They are now a highly-desired vegetable for many nice restaurants in cities like New York and Washington D. C.
One reason the plant is popular is that it grows in the wild. It is difficult to grow them on farms. Most restaurants get them from foragers, who collect ramps by searching forests for some small pieces of land where they grow. Ramps have a short season. Within a few weeks of full growth, the plant is done for the year. This short life is some reason for their popularity.
And that popularity could lead to their disappearance from Earth. In 1995, the local government in Quebec, Canada stopped people selling the plant to businesses in order to protect the plant against being over-dug.
The season is short, but it has not ended yet. If you are in the right place, You still have time to try a taste of ramps yourself.
1.Why are ramps so popular in North America?
A.Because they grow in spring. B.Because they are hard to get.
C.Because they have a good taste. D.Because they have a long history.
2.Which of the following is the picture of a ramp?
A.
B.
C.
D.
3.What does the word "they" refer to(指的是) ?
A.foragers. B.restaurants. C.customers. D.ramps.
4.What's the best title for the passage?
A.Ramps were once popular in North America.
B.Americans have discovered a new vegetable.
C.Americans go crazy for ramps in spring.
D.Ramps will soon be enjoyed all over the world.
In students' daily talks, celebrities（名人）are usually a hot topic, including their dress, behavior, families and other personal things. Then, is it a celebrity's job to be a good role model? Please read the following students' debate:
Is it a celebrity's job to be a good role model?
Pros（正方）
It's a celebrity's job to be a good role model because people usually look up to stars. If a celebrity drinks and smokes, his fans will follow him because they look up to the celebrity so much. If a celebrity's lifestyle is inappropriate for kids, then their parents should be more careful about what they let their kids see. |
I think everyone should try to be a good role model, even if you are not a celebrity! You can still be a role model to your sisters and brothers, a younger neighbor, or anyone. But I think celebrities should be very good, because they are role models for so many people! |
Cons（反方）
A celebrity doesn't have to try to be a good role model. They are famous because they worked hard at what they love for a living. They should, however, try to make good choices for themselves, not their fans. Lots of stars have to post apology(道歉)letters after being caught doing bad things. It's good, but if the only reason they do is to win back their fans, it's not good. |
Although it is a wonderful thing to be a good role model, that's not what the celebrities must do. They are famous because they love what they do and are good at it. Being a role model is never in the job. If the celebrity knows they are affecting the young people, they should try hard to set a good example. |
1.Which of the following reasons is NOT from the pros?
A.People look up to the celebrities.
B.Everyone should try to be a good role model.
C.Celebrities should be very good.
D.Celebrities get much love and support from fans.
2.What does the underlined word "inappropriate" mean?
A.难以言说的 B.非同寻常的 C.不适当的 D.不合情理的
3.What conclusion(结论) can we draw from their opinions?
A.Whether a celebrity is a role model or not, he should care about his behavior .
B.Even though a celebrity makes mistakes, young people should follow him.
C.When you become a celebrity, you have been a good role model, too.
D.Family members should encourage kids to be fans.
what, he, know, happened, might
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do, should, our, housework, we, help, parents
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you, will, if, come, I, you, wait for
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