THE GIRL AND THE MUSHROOMS

Two girls were returning from the woods with their baskets full of mushrooms.

They had to cross the railroad tracks.

They thought the train was far away, climbed the embankment and began stepping over the rails.

Suddently, they they heard the sound of the locomotive. The elder girl darted back, but the younger one ran on across the rails.

The elder girl shouted to her siser, "Don't turn back!"

But the train was so close and was making so much noise that the younger girl did not hear her. She thought her sister wanted her to run back. She ran back across the rails, tripped, dropped ger basket and began gathering up the mushrooms.

The train was now very close. The engineer pulled the whistle as hard as he could.

The elder girl shouted, "Leave the mushrooms!" But the little girl thought she was telling her to gather up the mushrooms and so kept bending over for them.

The engineer could not stop the train in time. The train whistle shrieked, and the train rolled on over the girl.

The elder girl screamed and sobbed. All the passengers looked out of the car windowsk, while the conductor ran to the far end of the train to see what had happened to the girl.

When the train had passed the spot, everyone saw the little girl lying face-down between the rails. She was lying very still.

Then she raised her head, got up on her knees, gathered up her mushrooms and ran back to her sister. 

UNDERWATER RESEARCH

UNDERWATER RESEARCH

Fourteen-year-old Miguel Diaz talks about an exciting science project.

Last month I got the chance to take part in an underwater research project in an area of the Gulf of Mexico called the Flower Gardens. A team of professional researchers, led by the scientist Dr Matt Phillips, was trying to learn more about the fish and various creatures that live in this part of the sea. The Flower Gardens are a long way from the shore and we spent three days on a boat.

The team used a piece of underwater equipment called a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to collect information. The ROV could measure water depth and temperature and it also had a camera that sent live film back to the boat. The ROV was great fun. It was controlled by a computer on the boat, and I was allowed to operate it a few times.

However, the thing I enjoyed most was diving into the water. At first, I was quite frightened – mainly because I couldn‟t see land in any direction. But as soon as I jumped into the water, I wasn‟t afraid anymore. It was amazing to see the colourful fish swimming around and I could see all the way to the Flower Gardens, which are almost 30 metres down.

I will never forget the Flower Gardens. The trip was like a holiday but I also learnt new things about science and research projects. The team was very friendly and everyone was happy to explain what they knew about the sea. It was a great opportunity and it has made me think about my goals in life. The experience will definitely help me work harder to become a scientist.

QUESTIONS

1) What is Miguel Diaz doing in the text?

A) describing the part he played in the science project

B) explaining how to apply for a place on a science trip

C) giving advice on understanding difficult areas of science

D) persuading others to organize their own science projects

2) What does Miguel say about the ROV?

A) it was difficult to operate

B) it could only go so far under water

C) it was an expensive piece of equipment

D) it recorded what was happening under water

3) What was Miguel‟s attitude towards diving?

A) his main worry was losing sight of the boat

B) he enjoyed it less than other parts of the trip

C) his feelings changed once he was in water

D) he was quite disappointed by the variety of fish

4) What effect has the trip had on Miguel?

A) it has changed his opinion of science

B) it has improved the way he works in a team

C) it has made him a lot more interested in the sea

D) it has encouraged him to work towards his goals

5) What might Miguel write in his diary about the trip?

A) It was very interesting working with Dr Phillips and his team but I wish someone else my age had been on the trip.

B) Going to the Flower Gardens was great fun. I now know much more about science but I realize there’s still a lot more to learn.

C) The trip was like a holiday and I saw some amazing fish. The only thing I disliked was collecting information about the sea.

D) The Flower Gardens is a beautiful place but scientist are worried that pollution levels there will increase.

POEM

The Leg The other day I gave a cough And there and then my leg fell off A policeman near gave it a stare And said, you cannot leave it there I took it to a Doc who said I'm sorry but this leg is dead I was so shocked I started grieving Then I heard the leg still breathing When I knew it wasn't dead I rushed it to a hospital bed It was stitched back on by Dr Hay But facing, alas the other way Now, when I walk I have found I only go around and around. Author Unknown