Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the coast of Massachusetts. It is 20 miles long and 9 miles wide. On the side of the island that faces the Atlantic Ocean are miles of broad, sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes(沙丘). On the side nearest the mainland are sheltered bays. There, boats can anchor(抛锚) safely in rough weather. The sea around the island is rich in codfish, swordfish(旗鱼), and lobster(龙虾).
The people of Martha’s Vineyard have always made their living from the sea. Long ago, whaling ships and clipper ships sailed from the island’s harbors. The whaling ships came back loaded with valuable whale oil. The clippers brought manufactured(加工) goods from Europe and tea and spices from Asia.
But then petroleum was discovered in Pennsylvania in 1857. Whale oil became less valuable. At the same time, steamships replaced sailing ships. Because New York and Boston had large harbors, these cities became the centers of trade. However, the people of Martha’s Vineyard could still make a living by catching fish and lobster.
Some of the people who live on Martha’s Vineyard today are descendants of the whaling captains and sailors(后代) of the clipper ships. They stay on because they have found new ways to make a living from the sea. Today, most of the people on Martha’s Vineyard make their living by meeting the needs of tourists. Every summer, thousands of visitors come to the island to spend their vacations by the sea.
1. Martha’s Vineyard is_________.
A. a valley
B. a state
C. an island
2. The story does not say so, but it makes you think that_________.
A. oil was first discovered on Martha’s Vineyard
B. the people of Martha’s Vineyard live on clipper ships
C. people were living on Martha’s Vineyard in the 1800s
3. Whaling ships came back to Martha’s Vineyard loaded with _________.
A. fish and lobster
B. valuable whale oil
C. tea and spices from Asia
4. Today, many people spend their vacations on Martha’s Vineyard.
A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Does not say.
参考答案: 1.C 2.A 3.B 4.A
