Matt Owens of New Zealand was out minding his own business one day when he came across an injured magpie（喜鹊）on the side of the road. The poor bird looked completely alone, so Matt decided to take him home and bring him back to health.
After spending plenty of time caring for his new friend, whom he named Swoop, Matt helped him walk and even fly. Finally, the time came to set Swoop free back into the wild, but the grateful bird chose to stay with Matt and his cat instead!
In the beginning, Matt was a little hesitant to introduce Swoop to Mowgli because so many cats love to chase birds. But since Swoop was part of their family, Matt sat down with Mowgli and helped the cat accept his new brother.
It worked out perfectly! Today, Swoop not only has a good relationship with Matt, but he’s also great pals with Mowgli. “They’re sort of best mates, and they just hang out with each other all the time,” Matt said. “Usually they’re just roaming around together; the bird’s lying on his back and cuddling with the cat.” Swoop has made Matt’s life better in more ways than one!
In fact, the day when the two of them met was the very same day when Matt found out his dad had terminal cancer. Experiencing so much love for Swoop gave him something positive to focus on during an otherwise difficult season.
Like any good parent, Matt fully expects that Swoop will leave the nest at some point to start his own family. While it’s a bittersweet thought, Matt is cherishing every moment they have together! “I treat him like a wild bird,” he added. “My job is just to look after him and keep him alive, but he’s chosen to stay.
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1.Why did Matt want to take the bird home?
A Because he was an animal lover.
B Because it was in need of treatment.
C Because he thought it could be a pet.
D Because a magpie could bring luck to him.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第一段so Matt decided to take him home and bring him back to health.可知，马特决定带他回家，让他康复。故选B。
2.What happened when the bird recovered?
A It flew away one day.
B It was kept in a cage.
C It lived in the wild again.
D It was unwilling to leave Matt.
解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第二段Finally, the time came to set Swoop free back into the wild, but the grateful bird chose to stay with Matt and his cat instead!可知，是时候将斯沃普放飞到野外了，但是这只感激的小鸟选择了和马特和他的猫呆在一起。故选D。
3.Which word can best describe the relationship between Swoop and Mowgli?
A Equal.
B Intimate.
C Unfriendly.
D Separated.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第四段可知，斯沃普与莫格利成了好朋友。它们算是最好的伴侣，它们一直在一起。由此说明它们之间的关系是亲密无间的，intimate与之同义。故选B。
4.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A Swoop kept bringing much surprise to Matt.
B Matt sang high praise for Swoop’s great loyalty.
C Swoop stayed and gave up having a family.
D Matt couldn’t treat Swoop well because of his dad.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据最后一段可知，马特完全期待着斯沃普会在某个时候离开巢穴，组建自己的家庭，但是斯沃普还是选择留在他身旁。故选C。
