When Jakob was born, he had only one palm crease (掌纹) on both of his hands. The doctor told his mother, Lucy, that this could mean he had a health problem. Nine years later, Jakob was diagnosed (诊断) with MPS VII, a very rare condition that influences one baby every ten years in the UK. Lucy remembered she was told to “just bear in mind that could mean something”, but when Jakob was diagnosed last year, she said it still came as a shock.

“We know something was different with Jakob when he was born, and as time goes by, it becomes clearer. MPS VII is a condition that influences Jakob’s ability to move because of pain. He also has some developmental delays and mild cognitive impairment (认知障碍), meaning he learns and understands things more slowly,” Lucy explained.

Jakob gets treatment every week to help manage his condition. Lucy is very proud of her son because he keeps smiling and talks a lot during every visit to the hospital. The family is focused on the future and managing Jakob’s condition step by step. They have many hospital visits, and because the condition is so rare, the future is uncertain. They follow the doctors and said they are just fantastic.

The 36-year-old mother wants to raise awareness and help other families who are going through the same thing. When Jakob was diagnosed, there was no one they could turn to for support. Lucy hopes that by sharing their story, other children can be diagnosed and start treatment earlier. 

1.What does the underlined word “rare” mean?

A Common.

B Uncertain.

C Unusual.

D Interesting.

解析：选C。C词义猜测题。根据第一段划线单词后文“that influences one baby every ten years in the UK”可知这种疾病非常罕见。故选C。

2.How did Lucy feel about the diagnosis?

A Angry.

B Excited.

C Afraid.

D Surprised.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第一段中的“she said it still came as a shock”可知，露西对儿子的诊断结果感到震惊。故选D。

3.MPS VII makes Jakob ______.

A talk slower

B move more easily

C learn things slower

D understand things faster

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第二段中的“influences Jakob’s ability to move”“meaning he learns and understands things more slowly”等可知，MPS VII让雅各布行动更困难，学习和理解事物更慢。故选C。

4.What kind of person is Jakob?

A Strict and funny.

B Weak but helpful.

C Kind and humorous.

D Outgoing and active.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据倒数第二段中的“he keeps smiling and talks a lot during every visit to the hospital”可知，雅各布是一个乐观开朗的人。故选D。

5.What is Lucy doing according to the last paragraph?

A Passing on love.

B Making friends.

C Learning medicine.

D Helping with health services.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。根据最后一段内容可知，露西希望帮助其他有同样经历的家庭，通过分享雅各布的故事，帮助其他孩子可以更早得到诊断和治疗。由此可见，露西在传递爱。故选A。