Question

    Many seniors feel pressured to go straight from high school to college, but Camden Olson, who graduated from the Latin School of Chicago in the US last year, didn’t give in. She decided to spend a gap year-taking a year off before college-raising a guide dog for Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Maine. The non - profit provides trained guide dogs to blind and visually - impaired (视力障碍的) people. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Olson said.

It is becoming more and more popular among American teenagers to have a gap year. Some students use the year off to figure out what they want to do: travel the world or save money for college.

Olson is using her time to follow a passion she’s had since 7th grade. For years, she kept an eye on guide dog services until she came across the opportunity at Guiding Eyes. With support from her friends, family and teachers, Olson went for it. Olson’s volunteer work centers around Derby, a one-year-old black dog.

“My job is to raise him to be well-mannered and socialized,” she said. “Guide dogs can’t be distracted. They go everywhere with their visually-impaired owner. They give a blind person a lot of support, too.”

Of course, there’s an end in sight for Derby and Olson’s close bond. When Derby celebrates his own graduation, Olson will have to say goodbye to him.

“No doubt there will be tears, but, if he passes, I will be so happy for him to become a working dog,” she said.

While some do not agree that gap years are a good choice, Olson said she’s seen major success. In fact, she’ll be attending Princeton University soon and is thinking about majoring in biology.

“I think I’m already so much more mature than I was,” she said. “So many kids come back from gap years a lot more focused and prepared.”

1.Why did Camden Olson decide to spend her gap year working for Guiding Eyes?

A.Because her parents talked her into doing it.

B.Because many of her peers had already chosen to do so.

C.Because it had been her dream for a long time.

D.Because it would help her to make her experienced in work.

2.According to Olson, guide dogs should ________.

a. not be easily distracted

b. be well-mannered and easy-going

c. know how to play some tricks for their owners

d. give their visually impaired people support

e. protect their blind people from all possible dangers

A.a, b, c B.a, b, d

C.b, c, e D.b, d, e

3.How did Olson feel when she said goodbye to Derby?

A.Quite happy. B.Sad but glad.

C.Regretful and sad. D.Nervous and disappointed.

4.What does Olson think about the idea of a gap year?

A.It makes people better prepared for the future.

B.Whether it’s good or not depends on the person.

C.Its negative side outweighs its positive side.

D.It makes sure of a student’s success at college.

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.B

4.A

【解析】

这是一篇记叙文。主要记叙了Camden Olson利用空档年为Guiding Eyes工作，这是一家非盈利机构为盲人和视力受损的人提供训练有素的导盲犬。文章说明了她参加这项工作的原因和经过，以及她对空档年的看法。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句“This is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Olson said. 可知“这是我一直想做的事情。”Olson说。由此可知Camden Olson决定利用空档年为Guiding Eyes工作是因为这是她很久以来的梦想。故选C。

2.细节理解题。根据第四段“My job is to raise him to be well-mannered and socialized,” she said. “Guide dogs can’t be distracted. They go everywhere with their visually-impaired owner. They give a blind person a lot of support, too.”可知“我的工作就是把它培养成一个彬彬有礼、善于社交的，”她说。“导盲犬不能分心。它们和视力受损的主人一起到处走。他们也给盲人很多支持。”由此可知，导盲犬应该不易分心、举止文明，容易相处和给予视障人士支持。故选B。

3.推理判断题。根据倒数第三段“No doubt there will be tears, but, if he passes, I will be so happy for him to become a working dog,” she said.可知她说:“毫无疑问，会流泪，但如果他通过了，我很高兴他能成为一条工作犬。”由此可知，当Olson和Derby告别时，她感觉悲伤但高兴。故选B。

4.推理判断题。根据最后一段中“So many kids come back from gap years a lot more focused and prepared.”可知“如此多孩子在间隔年回来后会更专注，更有准备。”由此可推知Olson认为空档年使人们对未来有更好的准备。故选A。