Our tiny boat was ploughing through(费力穿过) the waves across the Indian Ocean and I was absolutely freezing.The further we got from the shelter of the land，the more I thought how foolish I’d been to come along on this trip.
The pilot of the boat looked almost 60 but，perhaps because of a lifetime on the open sea in the hot sun，he was very fit and strong. I was wondering how he managed to find his way.To me，it seemed difficult enough to navigate a boat without any electronic equipment even on a sunny day.
So at least we were safe.But this was not what we had come along for.A look at the other divers’ faces suggested that now they were also doubtful that we’d ever get the chance to see a whale shark—these weather conditions were totally unsuitable for diving！None of us spoke.It seemed too much of an effort.Then suddenly the boatman stopped the engine.He said a few words in his own language to the diving instructor，who immediately jumped up from his seat and told us to get ready to dive.
When I jumped into the grey sea，I was sure I wouldn’t see anything.But then...there it was！An enormous whale shark，slowly swimming through the water.I couldn’t believe my eyes—my first whale shark！I hardly dared breathe—I was afraid my streams of bubbles(气泡) might scare the huge creature away.And the other divers were equally awed.Slowly we approached this huge animal.It was swimming quite slowly and we were able to swim with it，looking at the beautiful markings on its back.I was still holding my breath，telling myself that this huge fish was harmless！Then I reached out and touched it，stroking(轻抚) its thick skin.It was amazing how this giant suddenly gained speed—we watched it as it swam away from us，and a few moments later it was gone.
【解题导语】 本文是一篇记叙文。文章描述了作者第一次看鲸鲨的经历。
1．While riding a tiny boat across the Indian Ocean，the author ________．
A．volunteered to act as a pilot
B．felt regret about his decision
C．enjoyed the beautiful sunshine
D．talked with other people happily
B 解析：推理判断题。由第一段的Our tiny boat was ploughing through(费力穿过) the waves...I thought how foolish I’d been to come along on this trip.可知，由于天气不好，作者对他出海看鲸鲨的决定感到后悔。
2．The author probably wanted to know how the boatman ________.
A．kept fit in his spare time
B．spent his life on the boat
C．navigated his boat at sea
D．communicated with others
C 解析：细节理解题。由第二段的I was wondering how he managed to find his way.To me，it seemed difficult enough to navigate a boat without any electronic equipment even on a sunny day.可知，作者最想了解这位船夫是如何在海上辨别方向的。
3．What was the purpose of the author’s trip?
A．To see a whale shark.
B．To learn how to dive.
C．To swim the Indian Ocean.
D．To save underwater creatures.
A 解析：细节理解题。由第三段的...doubtful that we’d ever get the chance to see a whale shark和最后一段作者描述他下水后看到鲸鲨的过程可知，作者此行的目的是看鲸鲨。
4．How did the author feel after he jumped into the sea?
A．Rather anxious and angry.
B．A little scared but excited.
C．Doubtful and disappointed.
D．A bit tired but later relaxed.
B 解析：推理判断题。由最后一段可知，当看到鲸鲨这个庞然大物突然出现时，作者有一点害怕；再由他不敢相信自己的眼睛、与鲸鲨一起游泳和大胆轻抚鲸鲨可知，此时的他又有点兴奋。
