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【阅读理解】Reading: The Stranded Biologist
In 1987, a young biologist named Ilan arrived on the island of Malta to study its plant life.
He had a small grant and a simple plan: collect samples, write a report, and return home within a year.
But a week before his departure, a storm damaged the only ferry, leaving him stranded for months.
With no way off the island, Ilan decided to start a detailed survey of the local flora.
He rose before dawn each day and filled his notebooks with sketches and notes.
At first, the farmers watched him with suspicion, but a girl named Elena asked to help.
She was sixteen and knew the island's plants better than anyone.
Together they discovered a strange rust on the ferns that was spreading quickly.
The rust seemed to come from a chemical used on the nearby mainland.
This was a serious problem: the rust could destroy the island's main crop.
Some farmers grew angry and accused Ilan of being a spy.
But Ilan did not leave. He called a meeting at the village hall and explained the cause.
He spoke calmly and said the solution was possible if they acted before the spring rains.
Elena's father, a respected elder, supported him, and the village voted to act.
The chemical plant agreed to filter its waste, and the rust slowly disappeared.
By autumn, Ilan could have left, but he chose to stay on the island.
He continued to teach and write, and Elena went to university on the mainland.
They promised to meet every summer, and Ilan never regretted his decision.
Questions
1. Why did Ilan stay on the island longer than planned?
A. He lost his grant money. B. He wanted to avoid returning home. C. The ferry was damaged in a storm. D. The farmers asked him to stay.
2. What did Ilan and Elena discover?
A. A new species of fern. B. A rust on the ferns that was spreading. C. A hidden cave with ancient tools. D. A chemical plant on the island.
3. What does the word "rust" in the passage most likely mean?
A. A type of metal corrosion. B. A plant disease. C. A kind of insect. D. A chemical fertilizer.
4. What can be inferred about Ilan from the passage?
A. He planned to leave as soon as possible. B. He was a spy for the mainland. C. He was committed to his scientific work. D. He preferred city life to island life.
5. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. A young girl's journey to university. B. The importance of ferry transportation. C. A storm changed a scientist's plans, leading to a new life. D. How to identify plant diseases on islands.