D
I didn't die. I was still very weak, but I could stand and walk. The horse doctor gave me good medicine. Later, I was sent back to the knacker's yard. A knacker buys old and sick horses to kill and sell the meat and bones.
A nice old man and a young boy looked interested in me. "I like this horse, Granddad. Can we buy him?" The old man looked at me carefully.
"He is 14 or 15 years old. With good food and rest, he will get stronger," he said. "He will be able to do a little work. Then we can sell him again for more money." I lived on their farm and got stronger.
One day, two ladies came to the farm. They wanted to buy a horse. Their groom was with them. The groom very carefully looked at me for a long time. "I think I know this horse," he said to the ladies. "Do you see the star on his forehead? Do you see his one white foot? This horse is Black Beauty! He was old now, but he was a good horse, ladies." The man was Joe Green. He was older now and very happy to see me.
The two ladies bought me and took me to their home. I gave them rides, and I was gentle to them. They promised never to sell me again. I was at peace living at their small farm. Joe took good care of me, and I could end my story here.
—Adapted from Black Beauty
()12. Why did the old man buy Black Beauty?
A. Because the horse could run fast.
B. Because he was an old friend of the horse.
C. Because the horse could do hard work for him.
D. Because he wanted to make some money with the horse.
()13. What is a groom's job?
A. To kill horses.
B. To train horses.
C. To take care of horses.
D. To buy or sell horses.
()14. Which of the following is the correct order?
a. I met Joe Green again.
b. The nice old man sold me to two ladies.
c. A nice old man bought me.
d. I was sent to the knacker's yard.
e. The horse doctor gave me medicine.
A. d-e-c-a-b
B. e-d-c-a-b
C. d-e-c-b-a
D. e-d-c-b-a
()15. Which is the best title for this passage?
A. The last home of Black Beauty
B. Hard work for Black Beauty
C. Black Beauty's old friend
D. Black Beauty's new job