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+ Now read this extract from a text about China's Tea History and complete 1-6 with the most appropriate word from the list.(empire /plantations /popularity / rapidly/ became/ preparationg/ roundwork)The (1) .......  of tea in China continued to grow (2) .......  from the 4th through the 8th century. No longer merely used for its medicinal properties, tea became valued for everyday pleasure and refreshment. Tea (3) ....... spread throughout China, tea merchants (4) .......  rich and expensive,...
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Now read this extract from a text about China's Tea History and complete 1-6 with the most appropriate word from the list.

(empire /plantations /popularity / rapidly/ became/ preparationg/ roundwork)

The (1) .......  of tea in China continued to grow (2) .......  from the 4th through the 8th century. No longer merely used for its medicinal properties, tea became valued for everyday pleasure and refreshment. Tea (3) ....... spread throughout China, tea merchants (4) .......  rich and expensive, elegant tea wares became the banner for the wealth and status of their owners.

The Chinese (5) ....... tightly controlled the (6) ....... and cultivation of the crop. It was even specified that only young women, presumably because of their purity, were to handle the tea leaves. These young female handlers were not to eat garlic, onions, or strong spices in case the odor on their fingertips might contaminate the precious tea leaves.

1
16 tháng 2 2021

The (1) ...popularity ....  of tea in China continued to grow (2) ..rapidly.....  from the 4th through the 8th century. No longer merely used for its medicinal properties, tea became valued for everyday pleasure and refreshment. Tea (3) ...empire .... spread throughout China, tea merchants (4) ...became....  rich and expensive, elegant tea wares became the banner for the wealth and status of their owners.

The Chinese (5) ....roundwork... tightly controlled the (6) ...plantations.... and cultivation of the crop. It was even specified that only young women, presumably because of their purity, were to handle the tea leaves. These young female handlers were not to eat garlic, onions, or strong spices in case the odor on their fingertips might contaminate the precious tea leaves.

• In this extract from My family and other animals, the writer and naturalist Gerald Durrell recall his idyllic childhood on the island of Corfu. For questions 1-8, read the text and decide which answer (A, B, C, or D) best fits each gap.Gradually the magic of the island settled over the US as gently and clingingly as pollen. Those days were (1) ____________ each with a tranquility, a timelessness, about it, so that you (2) ____________ it would never end. But then the dark skin of night would...
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In this extract from My family and other animals, the writer and naturalist Gerald Durrell recall his idyllic childhood on the island of Corfu. For questions 1-8, read the text and decide which answer (A, B, C, or D) best fits each gap.

Gradually the magic of the island settled over the US as gently and clingingly as pollen. Those days were (1) ____________ each with a tranquility, a timelessness, about it, so that you (2) ____________ it would never end. But then the dark skin of night would (3) ____________ and there would be a fresh day waiting for us, glossy and colorful as a child’s transfer, and with the same (4) ____________ of unreality. In the morning, when I woke, the bedroom shutters were luminous and barred with gold from the rising sun. The (5) ____________ morning air was full of the scent of charcoal from the kitchen fire, full of eager cock-crows, the distant (6) ____________ of dogs, and the unsteady, melancholy (7) ____________ of the goat-bells as the flocks were driven out to pasture. We ate breakfast, a leisurely and silent (8) ____________ out in the garden, under the small tangerine trees.

1,     A. compatible    B. idyllic    C. spotless      D. picturesque

2,     A. wanted      B. yearned     C. wished       D. aspired

3,     A. hang back     B. draw in     C. peel off     D. spring up

4,     A. stain     B. shield     C. fleck     D. tinge

5,     A. heady   B. strong   C. infectious     D. robust

6,     A. bleat     B. yap      C. screech        D. purr

7,     A. song     B. hum      C. tune     D. buzz

8,     A. contest      B. incident     C. episode      D. affair

1
23 tháng 2 2021

1. B

2. C

3. C

4. D

5. A

6. D

7. C

8. D

 

III. Read the text then make questions and answer them: (5 0.2 = 1.0 pt) I get a lot of letters at this time of year from people complaining that they have a cold which won’t go away. There are so many different stories about how to prevent or cure a cold, it’s often difficult to know what to do. Although colds are rarely dangerous, except for people who are already weak, such as the elderly or young babies, they are always uncomfortable and usually most unpleasant. Of course, when you have...
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III. Read the text then make questions and answer them: (5 0.2 = 1.0 pt) I get a lot of letters at this time of year from people complaining that they have a cold which won’t go away. There are so many different stories about how to prevent or cure a cold, it’s often difficult to know what to do. Although colds are rarely dangerous, except for people who are already weak, such as the elderly or young babies, they are always uncomfortable and usually most unpleasant. Of course, when you have a cold, you often buy lots of medicines which help to make your cold less unpleasant, but you must remember that nothing can actually cure a cold or make it go away faster. Another thing is that any medicine which is strong enough to make you feel better could be dangerous if you are already taking drugs for some other illness so always check with your chemist or doctor to see whether they are all right for you. And remember they might make you sleepy – please don’t try to drive if they do! Lastly, as far as avoiding colds is concerned, whatever you may be told about magic foods or drinks, the best answer is to keep strong and healthy – you’ll have less chance of catching a cold, and if you do, it shouldn’t be so bad! 71. What should/ you/ do before/ buying/ medicine/ cold/ if/ already taking/ drugs/ ?/ ……………………………………………………………………………………………? ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 72. In/ what/ case/ colds/ dangerous/ ?/ ……………………………………………………………………………………………? ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 73. What/ people/ often/ do/ when/ have/ cold/ ?/ ……………………………………………………………………………………………? ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 74. What/ writer’s/ advice/ avoid/ colds?/ …………………………………………………………………………………………….? ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 75. What/ this passage/ from/ ?/ …………………………………………………………………………………………….? …………………………………………………………………………………………….

0
D
datcoder
CTVVIP
17 tháng 11 2023

1. 'pt' stands for past tense and 'pp' stands for past participle.

('pt' là viết tắt của thì quá khứ và 'pp' là viết tắt của quá khứ phân từ.)

2. Three different meanings are included: to photograph, to measure, and to swallow.

(Ba ý nghĩa khác nhau được nói đến: chụp ảnh, đo lường và nuốt.)

3. No, they don’t.

(Không.)

3. Read the test carefully, then answer the questions.The Hmong, or Meo, who number about 800,000, are found in villages known as giao throughout the highlands of northern Vietnam. The Hmong migrated to Vietnam from the southern China at the beginning of the 19th century.The Hmong minority group has been subdivided into branches classified by women’s costume, dialect and customs. For example, the Hmong of Sa Pa are called Black Hmong because of their predominantly black clothing. The most...
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3. Read the test carefully, then answer the questions.

The Hmong, or Meo, who number about 800,000, are found in villages known as giao throughout the highlands of northern Vietnam. The Hmong migrated to Vietnam from the southern China at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Hmong minority group has been subdivided into branches classified by women’s costume, dialect and customs. For example, the Hmong of Sa Pa are called Black Hmong because of their predominantly black clothing. The most colourful sub-group are the Flower Hmong, found in large numbers around Bac Ha in Lao Cai province, who wear bright-coloured clothes with embroidery.

Corn is the main staple of Hmong people, but rice is often grown on terraces watered with the aid of irrigation. Hemp is grown to be woven into textiles, and cotton is also cultivated in some villages. As skilled artisans, the Hmong produce a variety of items, including handwoven indigo-dyed cloth, paper, silver jewellry, leather goods, baskets and embroidery. The Hmong have no written language. Their legends, songs, folklore and proverbs have been passed down from one generation to the next through the spoken word.

1. What is the other name of the Hmong?

_____________________________________________________________________

2. When did the Hmong come to Vietnam?

_____________________________________________________________________

3. Why are the Hmong of Sa Pa called Black Hmong?

______________________________________________________________________

4. Where do the Hmong grow rice?

______________________________________________________________________

5. What are the products of the Hmong people?

_______________________________________________________________________
Giúp e dớii

1
9 tháng 11 2021

1 It is Meo (The Hmong, or Meo, who number about 800,000, are found in villages known as giao throughout the highlands of northern Vietnam)

2 At the beginning of the 19th century (The Hmong migrated to Vietnam from southern China at the beginning of the 19th century)

3 Because of their predominantly black clothing. (For example, the Hmong of Sa Pa are called Black Hmong because of their predominantly black clothing)

4 They grow rice on terraces watered with the aid of irrigation (But rice is often grown on terraces watered with the aid of irrigation)

5 They are handwoven indigo-dyed cloth, paper, silver jewelry, leather goods, baskets, and embroidery (The Hmong produce a variety of items, including hand-woven indigo-dyed cloth, paper, silver jewelry, leather goods, baskets, and embroidery)

Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a...
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Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)

A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a single fish came near the hook that day. I wouldn't go anywhere without it now."

B. But it was mainly his mother who saw his potential and decided to buy Mattie his first rod for his ninth birthday. The rest, as they say, is history.

C. Oh, and he's the Western USA Under-16 Freshwater Angling Champion. Which, considering he's up against kids who have been fishing for some ten years while Mattie has had a rod in his hand for a mere three, is pretty impressive.

D. "I went to Florida for the national Under-13's. I won that with a barracuda and it was caught in about 3 feet of water. Everyone else was casting out to 20 foot. I just seem to have a knack for finding fish."

E. This explains the wise head he seems to have on his shoulders. Fishing runs wide and deep in the Jackson family, who live near the mountain resort of Mammoth in the north of the state of California. "So much of what I know about fishing has been given to me by my father, my brothers, my uncles and aunts. It's a team effort I like to say."

 

Mattie Jackson is 12 years old. He rides his bike around the neighborhood, plays soccer with his friends and gets good grades from Fairmount Ridge Junior High School.

1. ………….

When I first met Mattie, he was exchanging baseball cards with some of his pals. This is a quiet, unassuming youngster and not at all what I expected from somebody who is said to have the fishing world at his feet. He was called the "Tiger Woods of fishing" by the editor of California Fishing last month just after he won the prestigious under-16 title.

Mattie was pushed into angling by his father, John, when he was nine. He accompanied his father on numerous fishing trips so many successful tips and tricks had already been picked up by the time he tried it himself. And it seemed to come oh-so-naturally to him.

"I caught my first fish after about four minutes. My father was furious," he laughs. His father says he has a great technique, enormous patience and, most importantly, a willingness to listen and learn.

2. ………….

His first angling trophy was won at the age of ten. He was Californian under-12 champion the following year. He is also American under-13 champion but it is the under-16 tournament success, against much older anglers, that gives him the most satisfaction.

3. ………….

It's what his father calls 'Mattie's radar' and it is being used on a daily basis in rivers and lakes across the USA as he travels from one tournament to the next with his father by his side. But he has other tools of the trade and is, typically for a fisherman, pretty superstitious when it comes to his tackle.

"This lure was bought for me in England," he explains, handing me something that looks like a wasp on a hook. "I've won three tournaments using that and if I lost it, snagged it or something, I would dive in after it. And this hat." He is wearing a light blue cloth hat that he goes on to explain brings him luck.

4. ………….

What does the future hold for Mattie? "I intend to finish school and I want to go to college. I know it's important to get a good education. I'll always have fishing to go back to whenever I want."

And with that, we reach the lake shore and he settles down for what promises to be a fruitful evening. Instinctively, his hand reaches up and pats his faithful blue hat before returning to his rod. Just checking.

0
Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a...
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Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)

A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a single fish came near the hook that day. I wouldn't go anywhere without it now."

B. But it was mainly his mother who saw his potential and decided to buy Mattie his first rod for his ninth birthday. The rest, as they say, is history.

C. Oh, and he's the Western USA Under-16 Freshwater Angling Champion. Which, considering he's up against kids who have been fishing for some ten years while Mattie has had a rod in his hand for a mere three, is pretty impressive.

D. "I went to Florida for the national Under-13's. I won that with a barracuda and it was caught in about 3 feet of water. Everyone else was casting out to 20 foot. I just seem to have a knack for finding fish."

E. This explains the wise head he seems to have on his shoulders. Fishing runs wide and deep in the Jackson family, who live near the mountain resort of Mammoth in the north of the state of California. "So much of what I know about fishing has been given to me by my father, my brothers, my uncles and aunts. It's a team effort I like to say."

 

Mattie Jackson is 12 years old. He rides his bike around the neighborhood, plays soccer with his friends and gets good grades from Fairmount Ridge Junior High School.

1. ………….

When I first met Mattie, he was exchanging baseball cards with some of his pals. This is a quiet, unassuming youngster and not at all what I expected from somebody who is said to have the fishing world at his feet. He was called the "Tiger Woods of fishing" by the editor of California Fishing last month just after he won the prestigious under-16 title.

Mattie was pushed into angling by his father, John, when he was nine. He accompanied his father on numerous fishing trips so many successful tips and tricks had already been picked up by the time he tried it himself. And it seemed to come oh-so-naturally to him.

"I caught my first fish after about four minutes. My father was furious," he laughs. His father says he has a great technique, enormous patience and, most importantly, a willingness to listen and learn.

2. ………….

His first angling trophy was won at the age of ten. He was Californian under-12 champion the following year. He is also American under-13 champion but it is the under-16 tournament success, against much older anglers, that gives him the most satisfaction.

3. ………….

It's what his father calls 'Mattie's radar' and it is being used on a daily basis in rivers and lakes across the USA as he travels from one tournament to the next with his father by his side. But he has other tools of the trade and is, typically for a fisherman, pretty superstitious when it comes to his tackle.

"This lure was bought for me in England," he explains, handing me something that looks like a wasp on a hook. "I've won three tournaments using that and if I lost it, snagged it or something, I would dive in after it. And this hat." He is wearing a light blue cloth hat that he goes on to explain brings him luck.

4. ………….

What does the future hold for Mattie? "I intend to finish school and I want to go to college. I know it's important to get a good education. I'll always have fishing to go back to whenever I want."

And with that, we reach the lake shore and he settles down for what promises to be a fruitful evening. Instinctively, his hand reaches up and pats his faithful blue hat before returning to his rod. Just checking.

0
Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a...
Đọc tiếp

Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)

A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a single fish came near the hook that day. I wouldn't go anywhere without it now."

B. But it was mainly his mother who saw his potential and decided to buy Mattie his first rod for his ninth birthday. The rest, as they say, is history.

C. Oh, and he's the Western USA Under-16 Freshwater Angling Champion. Which, considering he's up against kids who have been fishing for some ten years while Mattie has had a rod in his hand for a mere three, is pretty impressive.

D. "I went to Florida for the national Under-13's. I won that with a barracuda and it was caught in about 3 feet of water. Everyone else was casting out to 20 foot. I just seem to have a knack for finding fish."

E. This explains the wise head he seems to have on his shoulders. Fishing runs wide and deep in the Jackson family, who live near the mountain resort of Mammoth in the north of the state of California. "So much of what I know about fishing has been given to me by my father, my brothers, my uncles and aunts. It's a team effort I like to say."

 

Mattie Jackson is 12 years old. He rides his bike around the neighborhood, plays soccer with his friends and gets good grades from Fairmount Ridge Junior High School.

1. ………….

When I first met Mattie, he was exchanging baseball cards with some of his pals. This is a quiet, unassuming youngster and not at all what I expected from somebody who is said to have the fishing world at his feet. He was called the "Tiger Woods of fishing" by the editor of California Fishing last month just after he won the prestigious under-16 title.

Mattie was pushed into angling by his father, John, when he was nine. He accompanied his father on numerous fishing trips so many successful tips and tricks had already been picked up by the time he tried it himself. And it seemed to come oh-so-naturally to him.

"I caught my first fish after about four minutes. My father was furious," he laughs. His father says he has a great technique, enormous patience and, most importantly, a willingness to listen and learn.

2. ………….

His first angling trophy was won at the age of ten. He was Californian under-12 champion the following year. He is also American under-13 champion but it is the under-16 tournament success, against much older anglers, that gives him the most satisfaction.

3. ………….

It's what his father calls 'Mattie's radar' and it is being used on a daily basis in rivers and lakes across the USA as he travels from one tournament to the next with his father by his side. But he has other tools of the trade and is, typically for a fisherman, pretty superstitious when it comes to his tackle.

"This lure was bought for me in England," he explains, handing me something that looks like a wasp on a hook. "I've won three tournaments using that and if I lost it, snagged it or something, I would dive in after it. And this hat." He is wearing a light blue cloth hat that he goes on to explain brings him luck.

4. ………….

What does the future hold for Mattie? "I intend to finish school and I want to go to college. I know it's important to get a good education. I'll always have fishing to go back to whenever I want."

And with that, we reach the lake shore and he settles down for what promises to be a fruitful evening. Instinctively, his hand reaches up and pats his faithful blue hat before returning to his rod. Just checking.

0
Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a...
Đọc tiếp

Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)

A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a single fish came near the hook that day. I wouldn't go anywhere without it now."

B. But it was mainly his mother who saw his potential and decided to buy Mattie his first rod for his ninth birthday. The rest, as they say, is history.

C. Oh, and he's the Western USA Under-16 Freshwater Angling Champion. Which, considering he's up against kids who have been fishing for some ten years while Mattie has had a rod in his hand for a mere three, is pretty impressive.

D. "I went to Florida for the national Under-13's. I won that with a barracuda and it was caught in about 3 feet of water. Everyone else was casting out to 20 foot. I just seem to have a knack for finding fish."

E. This explains the wise head he seems to have on his shoulders. Fishing runs wide and deep in the Jackson family, who live near the mountain resort of Mammoth in the north of the state of California. "So much of what I know about fishing has been given to me by my father, my brothers, my uncles and aunts. It's a team effort I like to say."

 

Mattie Jackson is 12 years old. He rides his bike around the neighborhood, plays soccer with his friends and gets good grades from Fairmount Ridge Junior High School.

1. ………….

When I first met Mattie, he was exchanging baseball cards with some of his pals. This is a quiet, unassuming youngster and not at all what I expected from somebody who is said to have the fishing world at his feet. He was called the "Tiger Woods of fishing" by the editor of California Fishing last month just after he won the prestigious under-16 title.

Mattie was pushed into angling by his father, John, when he was nine. He accompanied his father on numerous fishing trips so many successful tips and tricks had already been picked up by the time he tried it himself. And it seemed to come oh-so-naturally to him.

"I caught my first fish after about four minutes. My father was furious," he laughs. His father says he has a great technique, enormous patience and, most importantly, a willingness to listen and learn.

2. ………….

His first angling trophy was won at the age of ten. He was Californian under-12 champion the following year. He is also American under-13 champion but it is the under-16 tournament success, against much older anglers, that gives him the most satisfaction.

3. ………….

It's what his father calls 'Mattie's radar' and it is being used on a daily basis in rivers and lakes across the USA as he travels from one tournament to the next with his father by his side. But he has other tools of the trade and is, typically for a fisherman, pretty superstitious when it comes to his tackle.

"This lure was bought for me in England," he explains, handing me something that looks like a wasp on a hook. "I've won three tournaments using that and if I lost it, snagged it or something, I would dive in after it. And this hat." He is wearing a light blue cloth hat that he goes on to explain brings him luck.

4. ………….

What does the future hold for Mattie? "I intend to finish school and I want to go to college. I know it's important to get a good education. I'll always have fishing to go back to whenever I want."

And with that, we reach the lake shore and he settles down for what promises to be a fruitful evening. Instinctively, his hand reaches up and pats his faithful blue hat before returning to his rod. Just checking.

0
Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a...
Đọc tiếp

Part 3: In the following text, four paragraphs have been removed. Above the extract you will find the four removed paragraphs PLUS one paragraph which doesn't fit. Choose from the paragraphs (A-E) the one which fits each gap in the text (1-4). Remember, there is one extra paragraph you do not need to use. Write the correct letter in the empty boxes in the text. (04 marks)

A. "I was at this tournament in Oregon last autumn and it had been left back in the motel by my father. I tell you, not a single fish came near the hook that day. I wouldn't go anywhere without it now."

B. But it was mainly his mother who saw his potential and decided to buy Mattie his first rod for his ninth birthday. The rest, as they say, is history.

C. Oh, and he's the Western USA Under-16 Freshwater Angling Champion. Which, considering he's up against kids who have been fishing for some ten years while Mattie has had a rod in his hand for a mere three, is pretty impressive.

D. "I went to Florida for the national Under-13's. I won that with a barracuda and it was caught in about 3 feet of water. Everyone else was casting out to 20 foot. I just seem to have a knack for finding fish."

E. This explains the wise head he seems to have on his shoulders. Fishing runs wide and deep in the Jackson family, who live near the mountain resort of Mammoth in the north of the state of California. "So much of what I know about fishing has been given to me by my father, my brothers, my uncles and aunts. It's a team effort I like to say."

 

Mattie Jackson is 12 years old. He rides his bike around the neighborhood, plays soccer with his friends and gets good grades from Fairmount Ridge Junior High School.

1. ………….

When I first met Mattie, he was exchanging baseball cards with some of his pals. This is a quiet, unassuming youngster and not at all what I expected from somebody who is said to have the fishing world at his feet. He was called the "Tiger Woods of fishing" by the editor of California Fishing last month just after he won the prestigious under-16 title.

Mattie was pushed into angling by his father, John, when he was nine. He accompanied his father on numerous fishing trips so many successful tips and tricks had already been picked up by the time he tried it himself. And it seemed to come oh-so-naturally to him.

"I caught my first fish after about four minutes. My father was furious," he laughs. His father says he has a great technique, enormous patience and, most importantly, a willingness to listen and learn.

2. ………….

His first angling trophy was won at the age of ten. He was Californian under-12 champion the following year. He is also American under-13 champion but it is the under-16 tournament success, against much older anglers, that gives him the most satisfaction.

3. ………….

It's what his father calls 'Mattie's radar' and it is being used on a daily basis in rivers and lakes across the USA as he travels from one tournament to the next with his father by his side. But he has other tools of the trade and is, typically for a fisherman, pretty superstitious when it comes to his tackle.

"This lure was bought for me in England," he explains, handing me something that looks like a wasp on a hook. "I've won three tournaments using that and if I lost it, snagged it or something, I would dive in after it. And this hat." He is wearing a light blue cloth hat that he goes on to explain brings him luck.

4. ………….

What does the future hold for Mattie? "I intend to finish school and I want to go to college. I know it's important to get a good education. I'll always have fishing to go back to whenever I want."

And with that, we reach the lake shore and he settles down for what promises to be a fruitful evening. Instinctively, his hand reaches up and pats his faithful blue hat before returning to his rod. Just checking.

0