Question

An apple that stays fresh for moths has been developed by Australian scientists and could be on shop shelves by next year. Researchers have spent the last 20 years developing the fruit, which they have now claimed （声称） to be "the world's best apple."

The apple – at this stage known as RS103-130 – stays "crispy" for 14 days in a fruit bowl, but if kept in a fridge will remain fresh for as long as months. Its longevity （持久） is also obtained without GM （真菌） – its disease – resistant qualities come from a gene found in the Asian apple called mauls floribunda.

Tim Mulherin, Primary Industries （第一产业） Minister, said the state government was looking for a commercial supply partner to put the new apple on the market as early as next year.

"The beauty of this fruit is that you can buy it and stick it in a fruit bowl and it will maintain its firmness, texture and crispness for up to 14 days," he said.

"Another advantage is that if it goes into longer term storage, it will retain its freshness for months on end.

“This new variety is sweet and since it is disease－resistant, it requires few or no fungicides.” “Taste tests carried out so far have been outstanding. Out of the five apple types tasted, the new variety scored the highest – even better than the Pink Lady which is very popular in Britain."

Scientist Dr Simon Middleton has been working with apples at the Mapplethorpe Research Station since 1980 and said he was impressed by RS103-130. He said that this variety is unique in that it is naturally resistant to black spot （黑斑病）, a disease that costs the apple industry 6 million （more that $ 10 million） a year in Australia alone.

1．In what way is RS103 – 30 different from common apples?

       A．It is more expensive.                            B．It is more beautiful.

       C．It can be kept fresh longer.                   D．It can help resist diseases.

2．The underlined word “fungicides” （in Paragraph 6） probably means “kinds of      ”.

       A．technologies        B．advertisements     C．packages             D．chemicals

3．What do we know about RS 103 – 130?

       A．Tests have been carried out on its taste.

       B．It sells well in Britain as well as in Australia.

       C．Its disease – resistant qualities come from GM.

       D．It was developed by scientists 20 years ago.

4．What is the main purpose of the passage?

       A．To persuade us to buy RS 103 – 130.

       B．To introduce a new type of apple.

       C．To show us scientists’ contribution.

       D．To tell us how RS103 – 130 was developed.

Answer 1

CDAB