参考答案及解析：

　　1.The correct answer is D

　　Explanation

　　The sentence focuses on an ability that is "extraordinary," or very remarkable. It makes sense to suggest that this remarkable ability is just one of the salmon's "many prodigious skills," or only one of the salmon's many remarkable and impressive skills.

　　2.The correct answer is A

　　Explanation

　　“Despondent” best corresponds to the dramatist’s unhappy emotional state.

　　3.The correct answer is B

　　Explanation

　　The word "Although" indicates that there is a contrast in the sentence. It makes sense to say that even though some people think loon vocalizations are "mellifluous," or have a smooth and rich sound, other people think the sounds are "harsh and discordant," or harsh and jarring.

　　4.The correct answer is B

　　Explanation

　　Choice (B) is correct. The structure of the sentence indicates that the word that fills in the blank will be explained by the part of the sentence that follows the colon. We are told that Gordon Parks adapted the screenplay for The Learning Tree "from his own novel," wrote music for the film, and directed the film. Because of his involvement in several different aspects of the film, it makes sense to describe Parks as "protean," or demonstrating great variety and diversity.