A
One day, a clergyman (牧师) was walking down the street when he came across a group of boys, all of whom were between ten and twelve years of age.
A dog was surrounded by the group of boys. Thinking that the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked, “What are you doing with that dog？”
One of the boys replied, “This dog is just an old neighbourhood stray (走失的动物). We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog.”
Of course, the clergyman was surprised at this. “You boys shouldn't be having a contest (比赛) telling lies！” he exclaimed (惊叫). He then launched (发起) into a ten－minute sermon (说教) against lying, starting with, “Don't you boys know it is a sin (罪过) to lie？” and ending up with, “Well, when I was your age, I never told a lie.”
There was a dead silence. Just as the clergyman was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, “All right, give him the dog.”
21．Why did the clergyman go close to the group of boys?
A. He liked children very much.
B. He wanted to take part in the boys' group.
C. He thought the boys were doing something wrong.
D. He thought the boys were playing with the dog.
22．What were the boys doing at that time?
A. They were hurting the dog.
B. They were helping the dog.
C. They were arguing about who should keep the dog.
D. They were talking about how to help the dog.
23．The boys probably felt when they heard what the clergyman said.
A. angry B. happy C. surprised D. worried
24．Why did the smallest boy want to give the dog to the clergyman?
A. He wanted to show his respect for the old.
B. He didn't want to keep the dog himself.
C. He thought the clergyman needed the dog most.
D. He thought the clergyman won their contest.
