Why the Spruce Trees Never Lose Their Leaves

王桂馨

【語篇导读】 一只生病的小鸟在求助橡树时，橡树担心小鸟会吃它的果实，拒绝让小鸟住在它那里，而云杉却毫无顾忌地将小鸟留了下来。因此云杉的树叶常年不落，而橡树则会落叶。

When winter is coming， all the birds know they have to fly to the south. One little bird isnt able to fly with the others because it has a bad cold. It is lonely （孤独的） in the cold world. “The forest looks warm. I can go there to get some help，” the bird says to itself， so it goes to try its idea.

The bird comes to an oak （橡树）. “I feel cold. Can I live with you till spring comes？” “Spring time？” said the oak unhappily. “That is a long way off. How do I know what you might do until that time？ Birds are always looking for something to eat， and you may even eat some of my acorns （橡子）.” The bird has to leave.

“Come right here then，” says a spruce （云杉） tree with a smile. “You can live in my warmest branch （树枝） all winter if you like.”

Winter really comes. It asks the cold， “Can I make all leaves fall down？” “No， the spruce is kind. Let its leaves be there forever （永远），” answers the cold.

【词语积淀】

1. be able to 能;2. have a bad cold 患重感冒;3. look warm 看起来温暖;4. say to oneself 自言自语;5. live with 和……住;6. look for something to eat 寻找吃的东西;7. with a smile 面带微笑

根据短文内容选择最佳答案。

1. This story takes place in .

A. a hot season    B. a warm season    C. a beautiful season   D. a cold season

2. Why does the little bird have to stay in the north？

A. Because it is sick.  B. Because it is afraid of hot days.

C. Because it knows no birds in the south.

D. Because it doesnt know where the south is.

3. What is the oak afraid？

A. The little bird may leave the forest. B. The little bird may make much noise.

C. The little bird may eat its acorns. D. It may have a cold.

4. How does the little bird feel when it hears what the spruce says？

A. Very sad.    B. Quite thankful. C. Kind of shy.    D. Quite afraid.

5. Which one is NOT true according to this article？

A. The spruce is kind.

B. When winter comes， birds fly to the south to keep warm.

C. The little bird is alone in the cold world.

D. The little bird goes to the forest to find his old friends.