A
Sometimes shipwrecks ( 沉船) contain sunken treasure, loads of gold or jewelry. Other shipwrecks are themselves the treasure--the stories of their ill-fated voyages creating a legend that makes them sparkle far more than any gold or precious stones.
The wreck of HMS Endurance, which has finally been located deep beneath the icy seas of Antarctica after being lost 107 years ago, was arguably the most valuable shipwreck ever sought. That's because its discovery adds another thrilling new chapter to an already fascinating tale of perseverance and survival that has echoed down the decades and still inspires today.
Incredibly well preserved at a depth of almost two miles, the ship is little changed from the day in November 1914 when it finally sank beneath the ice. Endurance became embedded in ice while crossing Antarctica's Weddell Sea. The video shot by underwater search vehicles shows painted timbers, an undamaged guardrail (护栏) and the name "Endurance" written above the five-pointed symbol of a polar star.
"I tell you, you would have to be made of stone not to feel a bit soft at the sight of that star and the name above," Mensun Bound, the mission's marine archacologist, told the BBC. “You can see a porthole(舷窗)that is in Shackleton's cabin. At that moment, you really do feel the breath of the great man upon the back of your neck." Shackleton's leadership was crucial to getting his men out alive. The reason why Shackleton is still applauded as a great man becomes obvious when you consider what he achieved in the face of disasters and hardships during his 1914-16 expedition. The practicality and humanity he showed in the face of severe situations was arguably praised.
21. What makes Endurance the most valuable shipwreck?
A. The treasure aboard.
B. Its inspiring stories.
C. Its undamaged guardrail.
D. The symbol of a polar star.
22. What can we infer from Mensun Bound's words?
A. The floating ice is as hard as stones.
B. The well-preserved shipwreck is amazing.
C. The heroic deeds of Shackleton are touching.
D. The discovery of Endurance is challenging.
23. What is the text type of the passage?
A. A book review.
B. A news report.
C. A biography.
D. A travel journal.
