Задание
Прочитай текст и выполни задания 12–18. В каждом задании запиши в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному варианту ответа.
The Gift of Freedom
Many years ago, I read about the charming Asian custom of gifting a recently caged dove or pigeon as a special birthday present. Symbolically, the gift's recipient and the bird are spiritually joined to one another, giving the bird's ability to fly special meaning and potency.
Traditionally the new bird-owner releases their birthday present, soon after receiving it. They know that by giving freedom to their bird, they are giving freedom to themselves. The newly released fowl and its releaser are emotionally bonded. Together, they fly away from all their fears and worries. Together, they draw a little closer to heavenly bliss. It is meant to be a deeply spiritual moment, and a profound reminder of our connection with all forms of life, and with life itself.
I gave my first pigeon to the strong, forceful and enchanting woman who was my agent and manager. Her affection and compassion had also turned her into a much-needed mother figure. It was her birthday. She was delighted by the symbolism of her present. She wanted to feel some of that symbolic freedom straight away and insisted on releasing the pigeon immediately.
We walked to the local park, which was under the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We were both delighted by the dramatic setting and our own sense of celebration. My dear friend opened the small cage with all the aplomb of an opening night.
Nothing happened! Well, that's not quite true. The pigeon looked a little stunned, and cowered further back in its cage. My friend waved the cage in the air, encouraging our little winged companion to be free but he clung on to the cage as if his life depended on it.
I didn't know what to say. My gift was supposed to be a symbol of freedom, but this symbol of freedom was determined to stay trapped.
We fell onto the grass and turned the cage onto its side. Our bird scrunched himself deeply into a barred corner. It was a strangely embarrassing moment until my friend burst into a contagious laughter. I laughed with her, and she rewarded me with a big hug and kind words, "It will always be a beautiful thought. Thank you."
Her kindness, or her words, seemed to be the exact cue needed for our living gift to walk out of his cage. We looked at the bird as if he had just performed a miracle. We were stilled and bonded by our mutual wonder. The bird seemed disorientated and staggered aroundlike an amnesia patient, until he started pecking the grass. Something potent was obviously in that particular patch of grass because its effect was almost instantaneous. Our bird started strutting.
Other pigeons flew down to the same pecking ground as our precious bird. They accepted him into their midst. Their acceptance had a magical effect upon our feathered friend. He seemed to finally comprehend that he was permanently out of his cage. We watched as the realisation of freedom settled upon him. His life was his own again! He flew a short way across the lawn and I heard my friend's intake of breath. We were both spellbound.
Our bird flew up onto a seat before flying back down to the earth. He became bolder, and stronger and then it happened! Our pigeon flew higher and higher, flying away with all my friend's woes and worries, taking her closer to heavenly bliss. There was nothing to say. It was a deeply spiritual moment and we were too busy smiling.
12.According to an Asian custom, releasing a dove or pigeon signifies...
1) a good future life.
2) freedom from anxieties.
3) realising the truth about oneself.
4) emotional instability.
13.Which adjectives can describe the woman to whom the author gave his first pigeon?
1) Mother-like, compassionate, powerful.
2) Dependent, strong, unusual.
3) Courageous, compassionate, athletic.
4) Powerful, strange, pretty.
14.What happened at first when the woman opened the cage?
1) The pigeon was motionless.
2) The pigeon didn't want to fly away.
3) The pigeon bit her.
4) The pigeon flew away immediately.
15.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
1) The author and the woman left the pigeon alone in the cage.
2) The author and the woman sat on the grass and cried.
3) The woman liked the idea of what happened.
4) The woman was surprised.
16.Which phrase is closest to the meaning of the phrase "stagger around" (paragraph 8)?
1) To be afraid of the new reality.
2) To be shocked or surprised.
3) To walk with difficulty as if one is going to fall.
4) To fall unexpectedly.
17. The bird finally felt freedom when he...
1) flew into the sky.
2) got out of his cage.
3) started to eat.
4) became part of the flock.
18. Why were the author and the woman smiling?
1) Because they were happy that a pigeon was set free.
2) Because they felt an emotional connection to a pigeon.
3) Because they both didn't have any worries.
4) Because a pigeon had made friends.