The Japanese Bobtail

 Part 1: For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

0.

A. aspect

B. part

C. element

D. factor

 

The Japanese Bobtail

 

Cats have been (0) B part  of the lives of human beings for thousands of years. One interesting breed which fascinates scientists is the Japanese Bobtail – a domestic cat with an unusual ‘bobbed’ tail more (1)______ resembling the tail of a rabbit than that of other cats. The breed has been known in Japan for centuries, and it features (2)_______ in folklore. In many traditions, cats are frequently (3)_______ of fear and mistrust but in Japanese stories the Bobtail tends to be (4)_______ as a force for (5)_______. The image of a Bobtail seated with one paw raised is considered a lucky charm.

But how did the Bobtail  (6)_____ its short tail? One legend tells of a sleeping cat whose long tail (7)______ fire. In a panic, it tore through the town, spreading flames everywhere. As a result, the then emperor declared that all cats should have their tails cut short as a (8)______ measure. Science, however, has a less ‘romantic explanation based on genetics.

 

1.

A. nearly

B. similarly

C. accurately

D. closely

 

2.

A. prominently

B. obviously

C. appreciably

D.  significantly

 

3.

A. products

B. articles

C. objects

D. elements

 

4.

A. assumed

B. portrayed

C. exposed

D. disclosed

 

5.

A. right

B. virtue

C. good

D. truth

 

6.

A. come by

B. get at

C. hit on

D. go for

 

7.

A. took

B. caught

C. set

D. seized

 

8.

A. defensive

B. restrictive

C. preventative

D. corrective