A
Britain's oldest man made his first visit to London yesterday at the age of 110. Mr Evans had never found the time or the money to make the trip from his home in Forestfach, near Swansea. But, when the British offered him an all-expense-paid birthday treat to the capital he just could not refuse.
He arrived at Paddington Station and smartly turned out in his best suit, favorite Panama hat and a red rose in his button-hole. "It's very exciting. There's no doubt about it," he said.
Until yesterday he had never been far from home, except for the trip to Aberdeen.
"But I've been on the seas to that faraway land called Ilfracombe 21 miles from home," he joked.
Mr Evans, who spent 60 years working as a miner in South Wales, almost made the journey to London once before, at the turn of the century. "There was a trip to the White City but it cost ten shillings returning from Swansea--too much I thought. All my money went to the family then," he said.
During the next two days Mr Evans will be taken on a short tour of London to see the sights. Top of his list is a visit to the House of Parliament organized by his MP, Mr Gareth Wardell.
"The only arrangement he does not care for is the wheelchair provided for him if he gets tired." I don't like the chair business--people will think I am getting old," he said. His secret for a long and healthy life has been well published--no wine, no tobacco and no anger.
Before setting off from Swansea with his 76-year-old son, Amwell, he said jokingly, "I'm glad to see they've given me a return ticket."
21. The very reason that Mr Evans didn't go to see the world is that.
A. he had already been on the sea to Ilfracombe
B. he was too busy to go too far away from home
C. he couldn't afford both the time and the money
D. he believed "East or West, home is the best"
22. Mr Evans didn't like the wheelchair simply because
A. he was not used to traveling in it
B. the wheelchair was of poor quality and not easy to operate
C. he actually preferred walking to sitting in it at home
D. he thought he was still young enough to manage the trip
23. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Mr Evans had to work hard to raise his family when young.
B. The trip of London excited Mr Evans very much.
C. Mr Evans could not really enjoy the trip because of his age.
D. Humor was one of Mr Evans' characters
24. The probable explanation to Mr Evans' long life lies in .
A. his good living habits
B. his hard-working for the family
C. his feelings to his hometown
D. his living conditions near the Swansea
