A
I decided to ski to the North Pole.It was after I saw an advertisement in a newspaper looking for people to join a team to ski 350 miles to the North Pole.Back in 1996，there had never been a woman from the UK who had accomplished this challenge.I wondered what it would be like to survive in temperatures cold enough to freeze your flesh in seconds，so I sent off for the application form.
The application form full of pictures of male explorers arrived.The words“Are you man enough for the ultimate(极限的) challenge？”made me angry and even more determined to get on the team.
Over 500 individuals applied for a place in the team，and the selection process included physical and psychological tests designed to pick the best group.In one test，there was a huge rope ladder we had to climb，and I froze at the top because I have a fear of heights.I thought my hopes were fading as most other applicants sailed past，leaving me behind.But two others helped me over，and later I found out that the organizers were not looking for amazing individuals，but great team players，and this moment had shown them who would take care of others in the team.
I had revealed(显示) my weakness，and in a place like the Arctic，you have to be yourself，as there is nowhere to hide.There personalities of asking for help and showing weakness are necessary for women to master.
I realized that by being myself，I could succeed.I was selected for the team.I realized that I could achieve more than I ever imagined—more importantly，by sharing my story with others，I could inspire them to take a step into the new world and reveal more of their abilities.
【语篇解读】 本文主要讲述了作者申请加入去北极的滑雪队，并成功加入的故事。
1．How did the author react on seeing the advertisement?
A．She got cross.
B．She was determined.
C．She got frightened.
D．She was uninterested.
B [考查细节理解。根据对第一段的整体理解，尤其是第一、二句可知，作者看到这个广告后就下定决心要去北极滑雪。]
2．What did the organizers view as the most important in the selection of new hands?
A．Personal quality.
B．Individual ability.
C．Spirit of teamwork.
D．Courage to challenge.
C [考查推理判断。根据第三段的最后一句可推知，团队组织者挑选新队员时认为最重要的一点就是队员们要有团队合作精神。]
3．What does the author think of women's showing weakness?
A．Beneficial. B．Shameful.
C．Merciful. D．Disturbing.
A [考查推理判断。 根据第四段的内容，尤其是第二句可推知，女性展示软弱是有用的。]
4．What's the intention of the author in writing this passage?
A．To inspire us to prepare for our future goal.
B．To advise women to turn to others.
C．To make suggestions to her team members.
D．To encourage people to explore the unknown.
D [考查写作意图。根据最后一段最后一句可知，作者写这篇文章的目的是鼓励人们去探索未知的世界。]
