Amundsen was one of the world's most famous polar explorers. In 1903, he became the first to make a ship voyage through the Northwest Passage. After learning that American explorer Robert E. Peary had reached the North Pole first in April 1909, Amundsen made secret plans for a South Pole expedition (探险). At the time, the South Pole was considered to be the last great, undiscovered territory.

　　On October 15, 1911, Amundsen set out from his base, in Bay of Whales, Antarctica (南极洲), with four companions, 52 dogs and four sleds. His success in reaching the South Pole was supported by careful planning. He took a preliminary (预备的) trip to drop food and supplies along the first part of his route. His use of sled dogs to carry supplies also helped. Amundsen and his men, along with 11 surviving dogs, made it back to base on January 25, 1912, quicker than expected.

　　Today, Antarctica is a base for many global scientific research projects. The land holds many clues to Earth's past and future changes, especially those related to global climate changes. Wednesday's ceremony at the pole also served a reminder of the importance of continuing scientific research in this distant place. "The loss of ice in the Antarctic can have great global consequences，" the Prime Minister Stoltenberg said.

　　语篇解读：你知道世界上第一个抵达南极点的人是谁吗？一起来了解一下吧。

　　5．The Wednesday's celebration was for ________.

　　A．the birthday of Roald Amundsen

　　B．Norway's prime minister's new policy

　　C．Norwegians "victory" in the South Pole

　　D．Norway's economical achievements

　　解析：选C　细节理解题。由第一段可知，挪威首相召集科学家和南极探险者们举行集会，以纪念挪威人抵达南极点100周年。

　　6．What encouraged Amundsen to travel to the South Pole?

　　A．Support from the Norway's prime minister.

　　B．Robert E. Peary's reaching the North Pole.

　　C．The plan of building a new base in the South Pole.

　　D．The success in traveling through the Northwest Passage.

　　解析：选B　细节理解题。由第二段可知，当得知罗伯特·E·皮尔里第一个到达北极点后，罗尔德·阿蒙森便开始秘密计划去南极点的探险。

　　7．What mainly helped Amundsen reach the South Pole?

　　A．His careful preparation.

　　B．His former several failures.

C．His families encouragement.