II. Cloze: Choose the word that best completes the passages (2 points each； 30 points in total) Passage A: Questions 16-22        A national political struggle is continuing over the issue of protection for the__16__ of vast ancient forests that once covered the northwestern areas of the United States. These old forests,called "old growth," contain trees from 200 to 1200 years old. There are about 6 million acres ofvirgin forest in Washington and Oregon, only about one-tenth of what existed before the 1800s.This old growth contains some of the most __17__timber in the nation. But its economicworth is also contained in its water, wildlife, scenery, and recreational __18 __.       __19__want the majority of existing old growth protected from harvesting. Theyemphasize the vital relationship between old growth and the health of the forest'sThey cite studies which show that both downed and standing old trees store and release nutrientsnecessary to younger trees.        On the other hand, much of the Northwest's economy is developed around the __21__ industry. Trees are cut down to make wood products, and many mills are geared for old-growthindustry. In recent years 500 acres of old growth have been logged, including trees up to 500 yearsold and eight feet in diameter. While the U.S. Forest Service__22__with the problem of howmuch of the forest to save, the harvesting of timber continues. The district office refuses to removeany of the old growth from timber production. The struggle is continuing at the national level withstrong proponents on both sides.
【題組】16.
(A) questions
(B) relations
(C) remnants
(D) pollutions