The Story Behind Washington's Iconic Cherry Blossom Trees Washington's cherry blossoms have become an iconic (1)__C_ of springtime in the nation’s capital. And while the trees can be appreciated only for the ethereal beauty they cast on the shores of the Potomac River, the historical (2)___ of the trees are more complicated.
Ann McClellan, a recognized expert on the trees who has written two books on
Washington's annual festival celebrating the blossoms, told “Power Players” that the first trees (3)___ Washington from Japan in 1910 were a symbol of international friendship.
The trees were given in (4)___ of then-first lady Helen Taft, wife of the 27th president William Taft, who had (5)___ an interest in the blossoming trees from her travels to Japan and was working to beautify the park area today's tidal basin reservoir, which was a swampland at the time.
“Mrs. Taft had not seen the trees in bloom, but saw how they were planted and thought Washington, which was just under (6)___ at that time, would be a great place for them, and she was right,” McClellan said.
Japan sent thousands of full-grown trees to Washington to beautify the park, but those trees would never be planted on the shores of the River Potomac. After the Department of Agriculture (7)__ the trees, it was determined that they had to be destroyed.
The final decision to burn Japan's gift was made by President Taft himself. But (8)___ causing a diplomatic crisis, Japan sent 3,000 more trees in 1912 that (9)__ the Department of Agriculture’s standards and were the start of the trees that still line the tidal basin today.
Since Mrs. Taft, first ladies have continued (10)___ an instrumental role in maintaining the cherry blossoms.
1) A portrait B copy C image D model
2) A roots B basics C homes D sources
3) A allowed in B taken in C handed over D given to
4) A pride B honour C regard D status
5) A told B made C demonstrated D shown
6) A construction B creation C composition D production
7) A reviewed B checked C inspected D assessed
8) A in addition to B except for C instead of D by means of
9) A met B fitted C matched D fulfilled
10A to realise B to play C to make D to take
B. 1. He will become an architect after he graduates from the University. 2. I will have to stop my daughter before she gets into trouble. 3. Will the new President make any changes in the country's policy when he comes to power? 4. Mum will visit you when the baby-sitter arrives. 5. She will relax after she hears the results of the interview. 6. My elder sister often develops a strong headache when the weather changes. 7. Tonight the old man will go to bed as soon as the sun sets. 8. He will not buy a new car until the company pays him all the money it owes him. 9. The refugees will be able to stay here till some urgent measures are taken. 10. The information will be studied carefully as soon as it is delivered. 11. Many people will be happy when this ugly war comes to an end. 12. Little Fred will not be able to leave the house till his mother comes back and unlocks the door. 13. Life will seem wonderful to you again as soon as all your worries are over. 14. The weather certainly will change for the better after the rain stops and the sky clears up. 15. He will not recover soon unless he takes the prescribed medicine.