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PASSAGE 31
The walnut tree produces wood that is used for countless purposes, and is considered the finest wood in
the world. The wood is easy to work with, yet it is very hard and durable—and when it is polished, it
produces a rich, dark luster. It also shrinks and swells less than any other wood, which makes it especially
desirable for fine furniture, flooring, and even gun stocks.
In fact, just about every part of the walnut is unusually hard and strong. The nut of the tree is encased
inside a very hard shell, which itself is enclosed in a leathery outer covering called a husk. It requires real
effort to break through those layers to get at the tasty meat inside.
Yet every part of the walnut is useful to people. The outer husk produces a dark reddish stain that is hard
to remove from the hands of the person, who opens the nut, and this pigment is widely used in dyes and
wood stains. The inner shell is used as an abrasive to clean jet engines. And the meat of the nut is
extensively used in cooking, ice cream, flavorings—and just eaten raw.
Walnut trees exude a chemical into the soil near their roots which can be poisonous to some trees and
shrubs. Fruit trees, for example, will not survive if planted too close to a walnut. Many other plants, such
as maple trees or ivy, are not affected by the walnut’s presence, and are well-suited to grow in its vicinity.
Question 1. The underlined word “It” in the first paragraph refers to
.
A. walnut tree
B. walnut wood
C. furniture
D. flooring
Question 2. The walnut tree is believed to produce
.
A. the best wood in the world
B. the most delicious meat for cooking
C. poisonous roots for people
D. some plants such as maple trees or ivy
Question 3. As used in the passage, the underlined word “pigment” most nearly means
.
A. colour
B. meat
C. fruit
D. fragrance
Question 4. The author of the passage probably believes that
.
A. walnut trees are endangered.
B. people should recycle more.
C. people should grow walnut trees if possible.
D. maple trees are not good for furniture making.
Question 5. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Trees are used for many things.
B. Maple trees grow well with walnuts.
C. Walnuts can kill other trees.
D. Walnut trees are valuable when planted correctly.