A
It was an old day when I set out for a run in Moab, Utah, with my dog, Taz. As an athlete I often went for a run by myself. While running along a canyon (峡谷) road, I hit a piece of ice. I slipped down the rock face and fell 60 feet into the canyon, landing on a ledge (岩脊). Taz found his way to me, so I knew there must be a way out of the canyon, but I couldn’t stand, as I had broken an important bone.
I shouted for help but then decided to move to the bottom of the canyon first. The ledge was too dangerous to stay. It took me five hours to go a quarter of a mile. Eventually it got dark, and I decided to stay where I was for the night, next to a puddle of water. All I had on me was a water bottle and some chocolates. At night, I avoided sleeping for fear of dying of hypothermia (低体温症). Taz stayed with me, providing some warmth. The next morning, I couldn’t move at all. But I was sure somebody would hear me screaming for help. The second night in the canyon seemed even colder. My feet were frostbitten (冻伤). On the third day, I accepted the fact that I might die. I called Taz over and told him to go and get help.
Taz returned, alone. Then I heard an engine in the distance. I started shouting for help, and then I saw a man walking towards me. It turned out that my neighbor noticed I hadn’t come home, and Taz had found the rescue team. I was airlifted to hospital, where doctors found I was seriously wounded, having lost half of my blood.
Five years on, I still think about the experience. I couldn’t run like I used to due to the after-effects of the accident, and cold weather brings back bad memories, but I’m married with two kids, and Taz is still alive. Realizing you have a second chance to live puts things into perspective.
21. Why did the author try to move to the bottom of the canyon?
A. To avoid being attacked by wild animals.
B. To come across some helper.
C. To climb back to the road.
D. To reach a safe place.
22. What was the biggest challenge the author faced during the nights in the canyon?
A. Low temperature. B. Physical pain. C. Lack of food. D. Fear of death.
23. What can we infer from the rescue?
A. The rescue team was required by the author's neighbor.
B. The author didn’t hold out much hope of his dog.
C. The author stayed in the canyon for 3 nights.
D. Taz turned to the author’s neighbor for help.
