Nancy wanted to make good use of her spare time. So she decided to work for the underdog. For the past several years, she has been putting her experience and energy to help a disadvantaged(条件差的) high school student.

Nancy knew that her knowledge would be best shared in a one-to-one situation. She found her perfect match in Operation Jump Start(OJS).

OJS was founded in 1994 in Long Beach, California, with the goal of helping students reach for higher education. It pairs students with experienced volunteers(志愿者), and provides them with workshops on writing, leadership development, and guided tours of various colleges.

Since its start, OJS has helped 80 students graduate from high school, with 95 percent moving on to higher education.

Nancy and the girl, Yanira, spent most of their time on school work. Together the two often went to museums, zoos, the movies, and concerts; they even sang in school holiday show together!

“I know I’m not like anyone else in Yanira’s life”, Nancy says, “It’s been great to get to know her and to watch her change, grow, and learn.”

Much to Nancy’s excitement, Yanira plans to attend John Jay College in New York City, where Nancy’s father taught for his whole life. “These days I share her dream, and if she gets accepted I hope to travel to New York with her and show her around,” Nancy says.

1.The word “underdog” in Paragraph 1 probably refers to ___________.

A smart high school students

B dogs that are not liked by their owners

C students who need help to succeed

D poor company workers

解析：选C。C 词义猜测题。根据第一段第三句可知，Nancy过去几年一直在帮助一名条件差的高中生。由此判断underdog指的是需要帮助的学生。故选C。

2.What is Operation Jump Start(OJS) in the text?

A It’s a company providing jobs for people like Nancy.

B It’s a program training volunteers.

C It’s a school teaching leadership skills.

D It’s an organization helping high school students.

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第三段第一句可知，OJS是一个帮助学生获得高等教育的组织。故选D。

3.Who is Yanira in the story?

A A volunteer OJS supported.

B A student Nancy helped.

C A teacher from John Jay College.

D A relative of Nancy’s.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第五段和第六段可知，Yanira正是第一段第三句里提到的Nancy帮助的学生。故选B。

4.According to the text, Nancy feels great to see Yanira___________.

A make progress

B travel to New York

C go to college

D sing in the holiday show

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。根据第六段It’s been great to get to know her and to watch her change, grow, and learn.可知，Nancy很高兴看到Yanira 的改变、成长和学习。故选A。