阅读理解。
The swallows of Capistrano may be famous for returning to the same nests each spring. But they have
nothing on the purple martins (紫燕). These beautiful birds spend each winter in the warm climate of south
America,then return each spring to nesting places in the Southeastern United States.
Purple martlns are birds that are pleasant to watch. Many people also like to have the martins around
because the birds control insect pests. If hollow gourds (葫芦) with two-inch open spaces are hung out for
them,martins are happy to move in. They require only small open spaces to discourage wild animals from
eating them. The gourds should also be hung in an open place away from buildings or trees,so squirrels or
cats can't disturb the birds.
Common garden grown gourds sometimes rot (腐烂) in the climate of the southeast, so many purple
martin lovers have tried using different materials to create stronger nest. Lengths of plastic pipe have been
used, along with old-fashioned wooden bird houses with martin-sized entrance holes,but the birds clearly
prefer the shape of a gourd. One company is now selling a plastic gourd, just the right size and shape with
a two-inch entrance hole for the martins. The hole is high enough to allow the martins about four inches.
The plastic gourd can be used for a long time.
The permanent (永久的)state is important for martin lovers because the birds can become almost part of
the family. Some families have had the same groups of martins returning to their yards each year for sixty
days.
1. The purpose of the passage is to ______.
A. discuss the swallows of Capistrano
B. describe homes for purple martins
C. discuss the season journey of purple martins
D. discuss the uses of gourds
2. According to the passage,which of the following statements is Not True?
A. Gourds should be hung in open spaces.
B. Small open spaces in gourds discourage wild animals.
C. The swallows of Capistrano are actually purple martins.
D. Plastic gourds are now being sold as homes for purple martins.
3. It can be concluded from the passage that ______.
A. some people try to make proper nest to attract purple martins
B. purple martins never nest in the same place two years
C. too many purple martins nesting in one area can become a harm
D. plastic gourds are not as good as wooden bird houses
4. The passage suggests that ______.
A. wooden bird houses are too small for purple martins
B. Durple martins refuse to live in any place but plastic gourds
C. purple martins are dangerous to small animals
D. Purple martins don't like to live with squirrels.
