题目内容：

 

阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后从各题所给的A、B、C和D项中选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

                     The Squirrel and the Lion

     A squirrel, merrily leaping on the branches of an oak tree, accidentally missed its hold and fell upon a lion who lay sound asleep at the trunk. His Majesty awoke in ___1___, and displayed his terrific teeth to the ___2___ squirrel, who, in the most humble manner, begged __3___ for the intrusion. “I grant you your life,” said the lion, “but on condition that you tell me the reason why you are always so lively and __4___, while my time passes so boringly.”

     “Yes, sire,” replied the squirrel, “I will, in return for your mercy, tell you the secret. But he who speaks the truth ought to stand higher than he who ___5___ it; permit me, therefore, to jump up the tree.”

     The lion agreed to this and when the squirrel was out of his ___6___ he thus addressed him: “You seek to know how I am always merry. ___7___ gives me a joyous mind, but sire, you are just lacking in it. Think of the many crimes and cruelties you have___8___. How many animals have you killed, while I have been ___9___ in carrying nuts to help my folks! You hate, and I love! Believe me, there is great meaning and truth in these words, and often have I heard my father observe when young: “Son, let your happiness be founded in virtue, and pleasure will be the constant ___10___ of your heart.”.

1.A. anger            B. silence        C. surprise       D. hunger

2.A. thrilling        B. skipping       C. trembling      D. frightening

3.A. explanation      B. understanding  C. forgiveness    D. consideration

4.A. lovely           B. interesting    C. athletic       D. happy

5.A. witnesses        B. answers        C. analyzes       D. hears

6.A. sight            B. reach          C. mind           D. catch

7.A. Nature           B. Wealth         C. Conscience     D. Knowledge

8.A. made             B. committed      C. performed      D. accomplished

9.A. employed         B. required       C. interested     D. devoted

10.A. tendency        B. desire         C. companion      D. assistant