Jack London is a famous American writer. His most widely known book is the Call of the Wild, the story of the adventure of a large dog in the frozen north.

Jack London was born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California. His family was very poor, and Jack had to leave school to make money. He worked hard at many different jobs.

Later, Jack returned to school, but he didn’t stay. He wrote, “Life and pocket book were both too short.” In 1897, he went to Alaska to find gold. Instead, he found ideas there for his book stories. He returned home and started to write. His writings were successful, and he became rich and famous in his twenties.

Jack London was not a happy man, however. In poor health, he took his own life in 1916. He was then only 40 years old.

1. Jack London went to Alaska to __________________.

A. find ideas for his books   B. find gold    C. write his books and stories    D. find jobs

2. Jack London left school because __________________.

A. he had to work to help his family           B. he had completed his education

C. he wanted to become a writer              D. he wanted to find gold.

3. From what did Jack London get ideas for his books and stories?

A. His life in Alaska.                       B. His childhood friend.

C. A large dog in the north.                  D. His pocket book.

4. What do we know about Jack London?

A. He became famous but remained poor all his life.

B. Though he was poor, he was always happy.

C. He was not famous until he died in 1916.

D. He killed himself because of poor health.

We had ____ fun at Mary’s birthday party last Sunday.

   A. a plenty of           B. a great many          C. a large number of   D. a great deal of

With the development of modern agriculture and industry, ____ waste are created every day.

A. a large quantity of  B. large quantities of   C. a large number of   D. large numbers of

 India has ____ of fluent English speakers because Britain ruled India from 1765to 1947.

A the large number     B large number   C a large number     D a great deal

Arts and culture is lived and breathed in every corner of Canada. Due to a racial and immigrant （移民）population the variety and richness of art and sports is very evident.

Since the Second World War, Canada has produced an impressive amount of writing. From novels to poetry, the selection is wide. Native writers are also becoming better known across Canada in recent years.

Musicians are reaching a higher level of recognition in the world music scene. Everything from Country to Pop, Classical to Heavy Rock can be found across Canada and across the globe performed by Canadian artists.

Film Crew in Canada The National Film Board is the primary producer of movies in Canada. However, many Hollywood studios are turning to Canada as a source for locations and as an alternative to the more expensive USA. Many well known actors, directors, screen writers and movies come from Canada and often scoop awards for their work.

French art was the first to appear in Canada along the St Lawrence in and around Quebec. Since then the volume of art and artists has increased. Canadian photography as well as painting by Canadians are not well known outside of Canada but recognition is increasing.

Sport is a major part of today's society in Canada. Hockey is the most popular spectator sport with more participants taking part in curling. American style football and baseball are also very popular and all of these sports are played across Canada.

1. What would be the best title of the passage?

  A. A brief introduction to Canada         B. Canadian arts, culture and sports

C. Canadian artists                     D. Canadian arts and culture are world famous

2. Canada has many forms of art and culture because it has ________.

  A. a long history                     B. a large area  

  C. a large population                  D. a variety of nations and immigrants

3. Many Hollywood studios come to settle in Canada because_______.

A. The cost in Canada is lower than that in the USA.

B. Canada has many well known actors and directors.

C. They want to work together with the movie producers in Canada.

D. They want to make movies about Canada.

4. Which group of Canadian artists are well known all over the world today?

 A. Native writers and screen writers      B. Photographers and actors

C. Painters and writers                D. Musicians and actors, directors

5. Which of the statements about Canada is Wrong?

A. Canadian Arts has been much influenced by French people.

  B. Canadian people love sports very much.

  C. There are many big film-making companies in Canada.

  D. Canadian Arts and artists are becoming better known.