A

Phil White has just returned from an 18,000-mile, around-the-world bicycle trip. White had two reasons for making this epic journey. First of all, he wanted to use the trip to raise money for charity, which he did. He raised ¡ê70,000 for the British charity, Oxfam. White's second reason for making the trip was to break the world record and become the fastest person to cycle around the world. He is still waiting to find out if he has broken the record or not.

White set off from Trafalgar Square, in London, on 19th June 2004 and was back 299 days later. He spent more than l,300 hours in the saddle£¨³µ×ù£© and destroyed four sets of tyres and three bike chains. He had the adventure of his life crossing Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas. Amazingly, he did all of this with absolutely no support team. No jeep carrying food, water and medicine. No doctor. Nothing! Just a bike and a very, very long road.

 The journey was lonely and desperate at times. He also had to fight his way across deserts, through jungles and over mountains. He cycled through heavy rains and temperatures of up to 45 degrees, all to help people in need. There were other dangers along the road. In Iran, he was chased by armed robbers and was lucky to escape with his life and the little money he had. The worst thing that happened to him was having to cycle into a headwind on a road that crosses the south of Australia. For l,000 kilometers he battled against the wind that was constantly pushing him. This part of the trip was slow, hard work and depressing, but he made it in the end. Now Mr. White is back and intends to write a book about his adventures.

21. When Phil White returned from his trip, he________.

A. broke the world record                        B. collected money for Oxfam

C. destroyed several bikes                        D. travelled about 1 300 hours

22. What does the word "epic" in Paragraph l most probably mean?

A. Very slow but exciting.                        B. Very long and difficult.

C. Very smooth but tiring.                        D. Very lonely and depressing.

23. During his journey around the world, Phil White _______.

A. fought heroically against robbers in Iran

B. experienced the extremes of heat and cold

C. managed to ride against the wind in Australia

D. had a team of people who travelled with him

24. Which of the following words can best describe Phil White?

A. Imaginative.            B. Independent.             C. Modest.          D. Determined.