C
It was very dark outside. I heated the food in the kitchen again, but my dad still didn't come back from the forest. He worked as a forest ranger (护林员). In the morning, he told me he would go to check the new small trees and that I didn't need to wait for him for dinner. But now, the wind was blowing hard and making a loud noise, like an animal. I stood at the door and called him, but he didn't answer.
“I can’t wait any longer,” I thought. I took a flashlight from the corner and went out, my feet moving slowly and my eyes looking all around. The light showed me the way, but the shadows of the trees looked scary, like claws. I held the flashlight more tightly. I was worried that Dad might be lost or in trouble, so I walked into the forest slowly, each small sound making me stop for a second.
The wind blew harder, and the leaves made noises. I was scared and kept looking back, but I saw nothing. The flashlight was dying. Just then, I heard someone shout, “Xiaoyu? Is that you?”
It was Dad! I shouted, “Dad! I’m here!” I saw the light move, and then I saw his orange ranger clothes. I ran to him and jumped into his arms. I could smell the pine on
him, and I almost cried. “Son, why are you here?” Dad asked. Dad’s hands were cold, but he hugged me hard. “My phone stopped working. I was on my way home.” I put my face against his coat. Listening to his heartbeat, I felt safe again.
—Adapted from My Dad, the Pine Cone Hunter
() 8. Why did the writer go into the forest at night?
A. To search for his dad.
B. To check the forest as a ranger.
C. To find out who made the noise.
D. To look after the newly-planted trees.
() 9. What is the CORRECT order of the writer’s experience?
① He felt scared but kept moving forward.
② He took a flashlight and entered the forest.
③ He ran to his father and jumped into his arms.
A. ①②③ B. ②①③ C. ②③① D. ③②①
()10. Which of the following can show the changes of Xiaoyu’s feelings?
A. Happy→relaxed→safe. B. Scared→sad→worried.
C. Afraid→worried→sad. D. Worried→scared→excited.
()11. What’s the best title for the story?
A. A trip to the forest B. A forest ranger’s work
C. A warm hug in the wind D. A strong wind in the forest