Question

Every August on the island of Heimaey, off the southern coast of Iceland, young people often take a walk along the streets throughout the night. What’s more, their parents allow them to stay out. Why? The children of Heimaey are going to save young puffins — small black-and-white seabirds.

　　The cliffs(懸崖) above the town are home to a large group of puffins. The birds dig holes(挖洞) all round the cliffs. These holes are their homes. Their young stay in the holes for about seven weeks. Then they begin to leave. Some move slowly on their undeveloped wings and feet down to the northern Atlantic Ocean that surrounds Heimaey. There, they swim, which they can do naturally, and learn to dive for fish. Others, however, may lose their way at night and find themselves in the town instead. On the ground, the young seabirds are in trouble. Because their wings are not fully developed, they cannot take off quickly to sea and safety. The birds then become a good meal for cats and other animals.

　　For many years, islanders have helped the young puffins. Early at night in late August, children carrying thick paper boxes and lights hurry to the seashore to catch puffins. They spend most of the night running after the birds. They put the birds they’ve caught in boxes and take good care of them.

　　The next morning the children take the puffins to the ocean and set them free. The birds will live at sea until they are at least two years old. Then they will return to the cliffs to build homes of their own for their families.

　　Will the children of Heimaey always come to save puffins? “Yes,” answer the boys. “We look forward to it. The best time for us is setting the birds free.”

　　( )1. Every August children of Heimaey are allowed to stay out all night ___.

　　A. to catch puffins and take them home to keep as pets

　　B. to free puffins from danger

　　C. to drive puffins away

　　D. to run after puffins for pleasure

　　( ) 2. The young seabirds that lose their way and find themselves in the town are in danger______.

　　A. of being killed by hunters

　　B. of being driven away from the town

　　C. of being killed by animals

　　D. of being starved to death

　　( ) 3. The children put the seabirds in boxes ______.

　　A. and look after them very carefully for several days, and then set them free

　　B. and set them free when they grow bigger and can take off to sea and safety

　　C. and carry them to the ocean right away to set them free

　　D. and they don’t set the birds free until the next morning

　　( ) 4. The children look forward to August because ______.

　　A. they enjoy playing the game of running after seabirds

　　B. it’s time for then to go out at night to save puffins

　　C. it’s time for the children to play with the birds

　　D. the children can stay out at night to watch puffins coming to the town

Answer 1

1B   2C   3D   4B