I had to put in many hours of special work to get to this point.First，a teacher nominated me，and then I attended an informational meeting about the program.The application process included an interview，and finally，I was accepted.
That’s when the hard work really began.In addition to attending monthly meetings to prepare for the big trip，my parents encouraged my twin sister Beth (also participating in the program) and me to raise $2,000 each to help pay for the cost.And so the fundraising began.We did everything from selling subs and candy bars to selling an old car to decorating people’s mailboxes during the holiday season.We also babysat，washed cars，held a yard sale，and washed windows.After months of hard work I had raised a total of $2,319.87！Combined，Beth and I raised over $4,500.00!
Now I have a problem—packing.Yes，I know it sounds unimportant，but my suitcase seems to have shrunk as I placed my belongings inside.According to airline regulations，a suitcase can be no larger than 54 inches and weigh no more than 44 pounds.For a person who likes to wear a different outfit every day，packing all my clothes into such a small space seemed an impossible task.However，I have gradually lessened my load and my suitcase which started out weighing overweight now checks in at a mere 36 pounds.Apart from a slightly bloated (臃肿的) carryon bag，my luggage is definitely manageable.
I doubt whether I will get much sleep tonight because I am so excited！I know that what lies ahead is going to be the trip of a lifetime!
56．When does the author write the passage?
A．The night prior to departure.
B．Several months before the journey.
C．Just hours after reaching the destination.
D．The night when she was accepted.
57．Which of the following is not the aim of People to People program?
A．To promote peace through understanding.
B．To collect money for travelling.
C．To make American culture known to others.
D．To learn about other cultures.
58．Which is the correct order of the author’s preparation for the journey?
a．being accepted as a member
b．raising money for the trip
c．attending a meeting about the program
d．packing belongings
e．being nominated by the teacher
A．e，a，b，c，d B．a，c，e，d，b
C．c，a，e，b，d D．e，c，a，b，d
59．What does the author think of the journey?
A．It could be a tiring，expensive journey.
B．It could be a longlasting journey，which needs taking all daily necessities.
C．It could be an exciting，unforgettable journey.
D．It could be an oversea journey，during which she would experience hard labour.
B
As many as twenty countries will be the first to receive assistance from a new effort to improve African agriculture.The Gates and Rockefeller foundations in the United States recently announced the Alliance for a Green
Revolution in Africa.
Their joint effort will begin with what they call a first investment of 150 million dollars in a seed program known as PASS.PASS is the Program for African Seed Systems.The money is to go toward seeds that can produce bigger harvests in conditions south of the Sahara.
To be chosen for the project，countries must be able to support agricultural research systems.Countries with civil unrest or governments unwilling to carry out the program will not be involved.
Between the 1940s and 1960s，the Rockefeller Foundation helped launch the “Green Revolution” in Latin America and Asia.The starting is valued highly.Norman Borlaug，known as the father of the Green Revolution，was a Rockefeller Foundation scientist.He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on improved crops and changes in farming methods.Farmers increased their use of fertilizers and pesticide chemicals，and irrigation systems to water crops.Food production sharply increased and helped prevent widespread hunger.
The project in Africa has similar goals.One is to develop new seeds that resist disease and dry conditions.Another goal is to make sure those seeds reach farmers，along with fertilizers，chemicals and knowledge of
相关推荐：
loading