An Englishman named PhilShaw invented extreme ironing in 1997 because he was bored doing ironing at home.

　 Extreme ironing is a special kind of outdoor sport. It combines (使结合) danger and excitement with practical ironing.

　 Who does extreme ironing? People all over the world who like danger do it. There are about l,000 people around the world who do extreme ironing. There are extreme ironing clubs and groups in Britain, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand and the United States. You don't have to have any special qualifications (资格证明)to do it. In fact, anyone can do it. However, it is better to start ironing in your back yard before you start to iron on top of a mountain.

　 There are, of course, some rules in extreme ironing. The ironing must be outdoor. You must take an iron, an ironing board, and something that you actually iron to get the wrinkles out. Outdoors includes faraway and unusual places, such as on top of a mountain, while skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, or under water. There are no limits. The more unusual the better. However, you should plan carefully because weather conditions can suddenly change on mountains, for example. You should not do extreme ironing on your own.

　 What kind of things should you have? You must have a real iron. Travel irons are acceptable. You must not use plastic or toy irons. The clothes you iron must be at least the size of a hand towel. It shouldn't be just a handkerchief. The board doesn't have to be fullsize board, but that is preferred. It must be one metre long and thirty centimeters wide and have legs. You must also have proof of ironing that is either a photo or a video, and it should show a recognizable landmark. Be aware that people have already ironed near the top of Everest, the highest mountain in the world, and in the Blue Hole in Egypt, one of the most dangerous places to dive. However, there are still many records to break. Iron on!

53. Where did Phil Shaw usually do ironing before 1997?

　 A. At home.　 　　　　　　　　　　　　 B. On top of a mountain.

　 C. In faraway places.　 　　　　　 D. In ironing clubs and groups.

54. Which is the best advice for beginners to do extreme ironing?

　 A. Doing extreme ironing alone.

　 B. Beginning ironing in their back yards.

　 C. Starting ironing on top of a mountain.

D. Joining extreme ironing clubs or groups first.

55. What must you do in extreme ironing?

　 A. Iron outdoor.　 　　　　　　　　　 B. Iron in good weather.

　 C. Dive in the Blue Hole.　 　　　 D. Ski near a mountain.

56. How do extreme ironers feel when they do the sport?

　 A. They feel bored with extreme ironing.

　 B. They feel very frightened near the top of Everest.

　 C. They feel excited although it is dangerous.

　 D. They feel lonely in the places far away from their homes.

Dear Miss Li,

Thank you for sending money to “Animal Helpers”. The government set up the organization to help (1) ______ people. You have helped make (2) ______ possible for me to have “Lucky”. It has filled my life (3) ______ pleasure. Let me tell you my story.

Being blind, deaf and unable to walk is (4) ______ most people can’t imagine. But many people have to (5) ______ the challenges. I am one of them. Because I can’t use my arm or legs easily, (6) ______ things like answering the telephone, opening and shutting the doors or carrying things have (7) ______ been difficult for me. One day last year, a friend of (8) ______ said that she would like to help me out. She said she would talk to “Animal Helpers” to see (9) ______ I could get a specially trained dog there. She thought the dog might (10) ______.

After six (11) ______ of training with a dog at “Animal Helpers”, I was able to bring him home. I feel very lucky to have it, so I call it Lucky. It can understand different (12) ______. For example, I say, “Lucky! (13)______ my book,” he does it at once. It’s an amazing animal. I will send a photo of him to you. It can (14) _____ how he helps me one day. And also I thank you again for (15) ______ “Animal Helpers”.

Best wishes,

                                                                                                                Liz Smith

1. A. excellent                B. disabled                    C. poor                      D. kind

2. A. that                       B. one                          C. it                          D. this

3. A. of                         B. with                         C. in                          D. at

4. A. something              B. anything                   C. nothing                  D. everything

5. A. get                       B. hold                          C. bring                     D. face 

6. A. hard                       B. normal                      C. unusual                 D. daily

7. A. hardly                    B. always                      C. seldom                  D. never

8. A. my                        B. mine                         C. me                        D. myself

9. A. why                      B. that                         C. if                         D. where

10. A. make me upset     B. cheer me up             

C. let me down            D. make me energetic

11. A. days                    B. months                     C. years                     D. minutes

12. A. languages             B. voices                      C. instructions            D. people

13. A. read                    B. reach                        C. carry                     D. fetch

14. A. tell                       B. show                        C. say                       D. announce

15. A. providing         B. offering            C. supporting        D. owning

Dear Miss Li,
I’d like to thank you for sending money    1   “Animal Helpers”, an organization set up to help disabled people. You see, you have helped    2   it possible for me to have “Lucky”. My life    3  pleasure because of him now. Let me tell you my story.
Being blind, deaf, unable to walk or use your hands    4   is something that most people cannot imagine. But there are many people who face these challenges, and I am one of them. Because I can’t use my arms or legs well, things like answering the telephone, opening and   5
doors or carrying things have always been difficult for me. Then one day last year, a friend of mine said that she would like to    6  . She said she would talk to “Animal Helpers” to see   
  7    it would be possible for me to get a trained dog. She also thought a dog might cheer me up. I told her that I love animals and that I’d love to have a dog.
   8   six months of training with a dog at “Animal Helpers”, I was able to   9   him
home. My dog’s name is “Lucky” – a good name for him    10   I feel very lucky to have him. You see, I’m only able to have a “dog-helper” because of your kind donation!
  11  , you might ask? Well, he has been trained to    12   different instructions. For example, I say, “Lucky! Fetch my book,” and he does it at once. He is very clever and understands many English words, even some difficult    13   like “upstairs”.
Lucky is an    14   dog. I’ll send you a photo of him if you like, and I could show you how he helps me too one day. And so I thank you again for supporting “Animal Helpers”. It is very important that this organization does not run out of money. Your donation   15   and the money is well used to help disabled people like me.
Best wishes,
Liz Smith