Section II Reading( 50 minutes)

PartA

Directions:

Read the following two texts. Answer the questions on each text by choosing A, B, C or D. Ma——

your ansumrs on ANSWER SHEET 1.

Text 1

An embarrassing experience

It was the small hours of the morning when we reached London Airport. I had cabled Lond trom Amsterdam, and there was a hired car to meet, but there was one more unfortunate happening before I reached my fiat. In all my travels I have never, but for that once, been required by the British customs to open a single bag or to do more than state that I carried no goods liable to duty. I was, of course, my fault; the extreme tiredness and nervous tension of the journey had destroyed my

diplomacy. I was, for whichever reason, so fired that I could hardly stand, and to the question, "have you read this?" I replied with extreme foolishness, "Yes, hundreds of times. "

"And you have nothing to declare?"

"Nothing. "

"How long have you been out of this country?"

"About three months. "

"And during that time you have acquired nothing?"

"Nothing but what is on the list I have given you. "

He seemed momentarily at a loss, but then he attacked. The attack, when it came, was utterly unexpected.

"Where did you get that watch?"

I could have kicked myself. Two days ago, when playing water games with a friend in the bath, I had forgotten to take off my ROLEX OYSTER, and it had, not unnaturally, stopped. I had gone into the market and bought, for twelve shillings and six pence, an ugly time piece that made a strange noise. It had stopped twice, without any reason, during the journey.

I explained, but I had already lost face. I produced my own watch from a pocket, and added that I should be grateful if he would confiscate the replacement.

"It is not a question of confiscation," he said, "there is a fine for failing to declare dutiable goods. And now may I please examine that Rolex?"

It took another quarter of an hour to persuade him that the Rolex was not contraband; then he began to search my luggage.

26. When did the writer arrive at London airport?

[A] In the early morning. [B] Late at night.

[ C] At noon. [ D] Late in the morning.

27. What can we conclude from the questions asked by the customs officer?

[ A] He was just doing his duty by asking the passenger some usual questions.

[ B ] He must have noticed the writer’ s ugly watch.

[ C ] He wanted to embarrass the writer.

[ D] He must have noticed the writer’s tiredness.

28. What did the writer think of the watch he bought in the market?

[ A] He was fond of the watch because it was a Rolex.

[ B ] He found the watch useful though it was very cheap.

[ C ] He didn’t like the watch at all.

[D] He was indifferent to the watch.

29. What must have happened to the writer in the end?

[ A] He must have spent a long time at the customs and must have been let go without any punishment.

[ B ] He must have been given a fine as a punishment.

[ C] His Rolex must have been confiscated.

[ D ]His cheap watch must have been confiscated.

30. What do you think is the tone of the story?

[ A] Humorous. [ B] Sarcastic.

[ C 1 Solemn. [ D ] Matter-of-fact.