In 1961, a man found a strange cat on his farm in Scotland. The cat's ears were folded, bent forward, on its head. In fact, this was a new kind of cat. People named it the "Scottish Fold(苏格兰折耳猫)".

The Scottish Fold has a round head and large eyes. Its neck and legs are short, which makes it look very cute. Interestingly, all the Scottish Folds are born with straight and unfolded ears. And when they are growing up day by day, some cats' ears will begin to fold. So, the Scottish Fold comes in two types: folded ears and straight ears.

Besides, there is a nickname for the Scottish Fold. It is the " Messenger of Peace". Why?

Because the Folds are sweet and friendly animals. They can get along well with other cats. And

unlike some other cats, they can even get along well with dogs! In many different environments, such as at a noisy house, or in a cat show, you can see them playing with other animals happily.

Well, when you come to a new school, do you think it's difficult to adapt to the new environment? Perhaps you can learn from the Scottish Fold. That is: always be sweet and friendly to others.

1.Tie Scottish Fold _____.

A. is born with folded ears             B. is born with straight ears

C. always has folded ears              D. always has straight ears

2. What does the Scottish Fold look like?

A. It has a round head and large eyes.    B. Its neck and legs are short.

C. It looks very cute.                  D. All above.

3. Why are the Scottish Folds named the " Messenger of Peace" ?

A. Because their ears are folded.

B. Because they look very cute.

C. Because they can get on well with other animals.

D. Because they can stay at a noisy house or in a cat show.

4. According to the passage, what is the writer' s suggestion to us when we are in a new

environment?

A. We should have a nickname.         B. We should learn from the cats.

C. We should get along well with dogs.   D. We should always be sweet and friendly to others.

Sometimes I really doubt (怀疑) whether there is love between my parents. Every day they are busy trying to make money in order to pay for my brother's education and mine. They don't act in the romantic ways that I read in books or I see on TV. For them, “I love you” is too difficult to say. Even sending flowers to each other on some special days is hardly ever seen.

One day, my mother was repairing a quilt. I silently sat beside her and looked at her. “Mom, may I ask you a question?” I said. “What?” she replied, still doing her work. “Is there love between you and Dad?” I asked her in a very low voice. My mother stopped her work and looked at me in surprise. She didn't answer my question at once. Then, she bowed her head and continued to do her work.

I was afraid that I had hurt her feelings. I felt so embarrassed that I didn't know what to do. But at last I heard my mother say the following words:

“ Look at this thread (线). Sometimes it appears, but most of the time, it hides in the quilt. The thread really makes the quilt strong and durable. If life is a quilt, then love should be a thread. It can hardly be seen anywhere or anytime, but it's really there."

I couldn't understand her until the next spring. At that time, my father suddenly got sick seriously. My mother had to stay with him in the hospital for a month. When they returned from the hospital, they both looked very pale. After they were back, every day in the morning and dusk, my mother helped my father walk slowly on the country road. My father had never been so gentle. The doctor had said my father would recover in two months. But after two months he still couldn't walk by himself. All of us were worried about him. "Dad, how are you feeling now?" I asked him one day. "Susan, don't worry about me." he said gently. "To tell you the truth, I just like walking with your mom. I like this kind of life." Reading his eyes, I know he loves my mother deeply.

Once I thought love meant flowers, gifts and sweet kisses. But from this experience, I understand that love is just a thread in the quilt of our life. Love is inside, making life strong and warm.

1.Why does the writer doubt the love of her parents?

A. Because they hardly meet each other.

B. Because they hardly speak to each other.

C. Because they often argue with each other.

D. Because they hardly express their love.

2.How did the writer feel after she asked her mom the question?

A. Embarrassed.B. Excited. C. Angry. D. Bored.

3.What does the underlined word "durable" mean in Chinese?

A. 好看的B. 廉价的 C. 耐用的D. .昂贵的

4.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. The writer understood her mum’s words at once.

B. After two months from the hospital, Susan’s father could walk by himself.

C. The writer’s parents didn’t love each other.

D. Love is there, no matter whether you say it or not

5.What's the best title for the passage?

A. My Parents B. Love is Just a Thread

C. How to Find Love D. Where to Find Love