Most
children at the tender age of six or so are full of most impractical scheme for
becoming policemen, firemen or train drivers when they grow up. But when I was
that age, I could not be bothered with such mundane ambitions. I knew exactly
what I wanted to do, I was going to have my own zoo. At the time, this did not
seem to me, and still does not seem, a very unreasonable idea. My friends and
relatives, who had long found me strange because I showed little interest in
anything that did not have fur or feathers, accepted this as just another
manifestation of my strangeness. They felt that, if they ignored my
often-repeated remarks about owning my own zoo, I would eventually grow out of
it.
As
the years passed, however, to the bewilderment of those friends and
relatives, my resolve to have my own zoo grew greater and greater and
eventually, after going on a number of expeditions to bring back animals for
other zoos, I felt the time was ripe to acquire my own.
From
my latest trip to West Africa, I had brought back a considerable collection of
animals which were living, temporarily I assured her, in my sister’s suburban
garden in Bournemouth. But after a number of unsuccessful attempts to convince
local councils in various areas to support my plans, I began to investigate the
possibility of starting my zoo on the island of Jersey in the English Channel.
I
was given an introduction to a man named Hugh Fraser who, I was told, was a
broad-minded, kindly soul. He would show me around the island and point out suitable
sites. So, I flew to Jersey and was met by Hugh Fraser who drove us to his
family home, probably one of the most beautiful old houses on the island. There
was a huge walled garden with lots of outbuildings all built in the beautiful
local stone which was the colour of autumn leaves glowing in the sunshine.
Turning to my wife, I said: “What a marvellous place for a zoo!”
If
my host had promptly fainted on the spot, I could not have blamed him. The
thought of creating the average person’s
idea of a zoo, with all the grey
cement and iron bars, in such a lovely spot was horrible. To my astonishment,
however, Hugh Fraser did not faint, but merely cocked an enquiring eyebrow at
me and asked whether I really meant what I said. Slightly embarrassed, I replied
that I had meant it, but added hastily that I realised that it was impossible.
Hugh said he did not think it was as impossible as all that.
He
went on to explain that the house and grounds were too big for him to keep up
as a private individual, and so he wanted to move to a smaller place in
England. Would I care to consider renting the property for the purpose of
establishing my zoo? I could not imagine more attractive surroundings for my
purpose, and by the time lunch was over the bargain had been sealed.
The
alarm displayed by all who knew me, when this was announced, can be imagined.
The only exception to the general chorus of disapproval was my sister. Although
she thought it a mad scheme, at least it, would rid her back garden of the
assorted jungle creatures that were beginning to put a great strain on her
relationship with her neighbours.
QUESTIONS:
1. The writer’s friends and family ......
A.
encouraged him in his childhood ambition.
B.
took no notice of his childhood ambition.
C.
tried to talk him out of his childhood ambition.
D.
tried to interest him in other things.
2. In paragraph 2 the word “bewilderment” means that the writer’s
friends and relatives.....
A.
were pleasantly surprised by him.
B.
became increasingly angry with him.
C.
were shown to be right about his ideas.
D.
didn’t really understand his ambitions.
3. The writer didn’t start a zoo in England
because......
A.
nobody wanted to help him. B. he
had too many animals.
C.
his sister was against it.
D.
he couldn't get permission.
4. The writer was introduced to Hugh Fraser
because .....
A.
Hugh knew a lot about zoos.
B. Hugh
owned a number of houses.
C.
Hugh knew the island very well. D.
Hugh had offered land for rent.
5. When the writer made a comment about the
walled garden, Hugh .....
A.
was horrified at the prospect.
B. was
surprised by the suggestion.
C.
was too embarrassed to reply. D. was
interested in the idea.
6. The writer particularly liked the place
he chose for the zoo because of its .....
A. size. B.
price. C. setting. D. facilities.
7. When the writer’s sister learned about
the establishment of the zoo in Jersey, she felt ......
A.
alarmed B. relieved C. supportive D. disappointed
ENGLISH 10 - THE SECOND TERM EXAM TEST 3 Name: ___________________________ I. Chọn từ có phần gạch chân được ph...
