I'm from the South Bronx. At 7, my neighborhood was the beginning and end of my universe. It was a small town to me. Everyone knew each other, so if you got into trouble in school, chances are your mom knew about it before you got home. I felt watched over and safe.

But just before I turned 8, things began to change. I watched two buildings on my block burn down. I remember seeing my neighbor Pito go up and down the fire escape to get people out. Where were the firemen? Where was the truck? Somebody must have called them.

That same summer, after serving two tours in Vietnam, my brother was killed in the South Bronx. He was shot above the left eye and died instantly.  

People who could moved out of the neighborhood, and all I wanted to do was get out, too. I used education to get away from there and got good at avoiding the topic of where I was from. To be from the South Bronx meant that you were not a good person. It felt like a stain.

After college, I didn't want to come back to the South Bronx, but in order to afford graduate school, I had to. I was almost 30 and could only afford to live at my parents' home. It felt like a defeat, and I hated it.

At the same time, the city was planning a huge waste facility here, and no one seemed to care — including many of us who lived here. They were like, "Well, it's a poor community; what's the difference?"

I was very angry. It drove me to act. It moved my spirit in a way that I didn't know was possible. And it changed my beliefs — it changed the way I felt about myself and my community. I worked hard with others who felt the same way, and together, we defeated the plan.

After that, I realized it's just as important to fight for something as it is to fight against something. So we dreamed up a new park on the site of an illegal waste dump — and after many community clean-ups, along with $3 million from the city, we have one. And it's a glory. It was the seed from which many new plans for our community have grown.

Today, the South Bronx is no longer a stain; it's a badge(象征) of honor for me. I believe that where I'm from helps me to really see the world. Today, when I say I'm from the South Bronx, I stand up straight. This is home, and it always will be.

41. Paragraphs 2 and 3 make the readers believe ____________.

A. the author felt watched over and safe

B. he author’s brother was a bad man

C. the author’s neighbor Pito was braver than a fireman

D. the author felt his hometown was not a safe place to live in

42. The author went back to the South Bronx after college because ____________.

A. he couldn’t afford to live without his parents’ help

B. he loved his hometown very much

C. he was defeated in studies at college

D. he almost reached the age of 30

43. The underlined sentences(Paragraph 2) imply that ____________.

A. the author wondered where the firemen and the truck were

B. the author wanted someone to call the firemen

C. the firemen didn’t come to help although called

D. the firemen didn’t find a place to park the truck

44. What does the author want to convey in the passage?

A. Great changes have taken place in the South Bronx.

B. The South Bronx is a beautiful place.  

C. You can make a difference to your hometown if you act.

D. Everyone should love his hometown.

練習(xí)冊系列答案
相關(guān)習(xí)題

科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

Welcome to my Message Board!

Subject Slimming down classics?

Mr.

Handsome

2007-5-12&24

AM

Orion Books,which decides there is a market in creating cut-down classics(經(jīng)典著作),is slimming down some novels by such great writers as L.Tolstoy,M.Mitchell and C.Bronte.Now,each of them has been whittled down to about 400 pages by cutting 30 to   40   per cent of the original,with words,sentences,paragraphs and,in a few cases,chapters removed.The first six shortened editions,all priced at £6.99 and advertised as great reads “in half the time”,will go on sale next month,with plans for 50 to 100 more to follow.The publishing house believes that modern readers will welcome the shorter versions.

Mr.

Edwards

2007-5-12

9:40 AM

Well,I’m publisher of Orion Group.Thanks for your attention,Mr.Handsome.

I must say,the idea developed from a game of “shame”in my office.Each of us was required to confess(承認(rèn))to the most embarrassing blanks in his or her reading.I admitted that I had never read Anna Karenina and tried but failed to get through Gone with the Wind several times.One of my colleagues acknowledged skipping(跳讀)Jane Eyre.We realised that life is too short to read all the books you want to and we never were going to read these ones.

As a leading publishing house,we are trying to make classics convenient for readers but it’s not as if we’re withdrawing the original versions.They are still there if you want to read them.

Ms.Weir

2007-5-12

11:35 AM

I’m director of the online bookclub www.lovereading.co.uk.

Mr.Edwards,I think your shortened editions is a breath of fresh air.I’m guilty of never having read Anna Karenina,because it’s just so long.I’d much rather read two 300-page books than one 600-page book.I am looking forward to more shortened classics!

Mr.

Crockatt

2007-5-124:38 PM

I’m from the London independent bookshop Crockatt & Powell.

In my opinion,the practice is completely ridiculous.How can you edit the classics?I’m afraid reading some of these books is hard work,and that is why you have to develop as a reader.If people don’t have time to read Anna Karenina,then fine.But don’t read a shortened version and kid yourself it’s the real thing.

According to the message board,Orinon Books_______.

A.opposes the reading of original classics

B.is embarrassed for cutting down classics

C.thinks cut-down classics have a bright future

D.is cautious in its decision to cut down classics

In Mr.Edwards’ opinion,Orion Group is shortening classics to_______.

A.make them easier to read

B.meet a large demand in the market

C.increase the sales of literary books

D.compete with their original versions

By describing the shortened classics as “a breath of fresh air”,Ms.Weir_______.

A.speaks highly of the cut-down classics

B.shows gailty of the original classics

C.feels guilty of not reading the classics

D.disapproves of shortening the classics

Mr.Crockatt seems to imply that_______.

A.reading the classic works is a confusing attempt

B.shortening the classics does harm to the original

C.publishing the cub-down classics is a difficult job

D.editing the classic works satisfies children’s needs

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

   Welcome to my Message Board!

Subject: Slimming down classics?

Mr.Handsome

2007-5-12

6: 34 AM

Orion Books, which decides there is a market in creating cut-down classics (經(jīng)典著作), is slimming down some novels by such great writers as L. Tolstoy, M. Mitchell and C. Bronte. Now, each of them has been whittled down to about 400 pages by cutting 30 to 40 pages percent of original, with words, sentences, paragraphs and, in a few cases, chapters removed. The first six shortened editions, all priced at £6.99 and advertised as great reads “in half the time”, will go on sale next month, with plans for 50 to 100 more to follow. The publishing house believes that modern readers will welcome the shorter versions.  

Mr.Edwards

2007-5-12

9: 40 AM

Well, I’m publisher of Orion Group. Thanks for your attention, Mr. Handsome.

I must say, the idea developed from a game of “shame” in my office. Each of us was required to confess (承認(rèn)) to the most embarrassing blanks in his or her reading. I admitted that I had never read Anna Karenina and tried but failed to get through Gone with the Wind several times. One of my colleagues acknowledged skipping (跳讀) Jane Eyre. We realized that life is too short to read all the books you want to and we never were going to read these ones.

   As a leading publishing house, we are trying to make classics convenient for readers but it’s not as if we’re withdrawing the original versions. They are still there if you want to read them.

Ms. Weir

2007-5-12

11:35 AM

I’m director of the online book club www.lovereading.co.uk

Mr. Edwards, I think your shortened edition is a breath of fresh air. I’m guilty of never having read Anna Karenina, because it’s just so long. I’d much rather read two 300-page books than one 600-page book. I am looking forward to more shortened classics!    

Mr.Crockatt

2007-5-12

4:38 PM

I’m from the London independent bookshop Corckatt & Powell.

In my opinion, the practice is completely ridiculous. How can you edit the classics? I’m afraid reading some of these books is hard work, and that is why you have to develop as a reader. If people don’t have time to read Anna Karenina, then fine. But don’t read a shortened version and kid yourself it’s the real thing.

11. According to the message board, Orion Books        .

A. opposes the reading of original classics           

B. is embarrassed for cutting down classics

C. thinks cut-down classics have a bright future       

D. is cautions in its decision to cut down classics

12. In Mr. Edwards’ opinion, Orion Group is shortening classics to        .

  A. make them easier to read            B. meet a large demand in the market

  C. increase the sales of literary books   D. compete with their original versions

13. By describing the shortened classics as “a breath of fresh air”, Ms. Weir        .

  A. speaks highly of the cut-down classics     

B. shows her love for original classics

  C. feels guilty of not reading the classics     

D. disapprove of shortening the classics

14. Mr. Crockatt seems to imply that        .

  A. reading the classic works is a confusing attempt

  B. shortening the classics does harm to the original

  C. publishing the cut-down classics is a difficult job

  D. editing the classic works satisfies children’s needs

15. How many classics are involved in the massage board?

A. Two.          B. Three.               C. Four.         D. Five.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2010—2011學(xué)年度廣東省澄海實驗高中高二下期末英語綜合測試卷(二) 題型:填空題

閱讀下列應(yīng)用文及相關(guān)信息,并按照要求匹配信息。請在答題卷上作答。
首先閱讀下列博客信息:
A:My name’s Marta and I’m from Mexico City, but I moved to Los Angeles, California, five years ago, now I am living in an apartment at No. 3178 SE Timmer Broad. I am 28, single. I am a customer service representative for a large financial company. I am an outgoing person. I love to laugh and have fun! I enjoy cooking, dancing and listening to music. I don’t like watching or playing sports. You should be an outgoing, considerate lady with a good sense of humor, to share the apartment. Are you the one? Email and let’s have further talk.
B: My name’s Mark, and I’m from Hollywood, California. I’m a fitness instructor in Los Angeles. I am a friendly and easy-going person; I love playing sports---especially football and working out at the gym. I also play the guitar. My best friend David, who often has sports with me, went to Mexico last month. To avoid loneliness, I’d like very much to own a new friend who would share the fun of sports with me. I am longing.
C: My name’s Park Jun Seo, but you can call me Jun. I move from Seoul Korea to Los Angeles two years ago. I am a graphic designer and I am looking for my younger brother, Lean Ban Seo, who might be in this city. As the story is too long, I just hope to find him and have my family reunited. He is lame at the right leg, 19 years old, 1.79 meters tall, with very big eyes and fair curly hair. With his picture of two years ago enclosed, I would be very appreciated if you have any information about that. Telephone me at 818-5789.
D: My name is Don and I am programmer at a computer company. I have designed several pieces of software that can help students learn better, especially suitable for primary students who have some language disability to learn words and help them pronounce more correctly. If you think you need one, please fax to 857-4693. You can purchase by post.
E: My name is Mauricio, and I’m a computer programmer working in Los Angeles area. I am kind of shy, but maybe you can help me to be more outgoing. I like cooking, playing computer games, and chatting whit friends online. If you think you are the proper one to be my E-pal, let’s chat!
F: My name’s Judy and I’m from Quebec, Canada. I am a sales woman in one of the women underwear stores in Montreal. I’d like to have more visitors to my shop. And you can bargain for a reduction of 10% to 30%, if you purchase in package. Let’s be friends.
請閱讀以下網(wǎng)站回復(fù)的信息, 然后匹配回復(fù)的信息和網(wǎng)站原登出的博客信息,選項中有一項是多余的。
【小題1】I am a professional sportsman and work in the same city. I am so glad that I will have a good friend who can be the opponent to improve my techniques. E-mail me at bitterflower@yahoo.com.
【小題2】As a shop owner, I might drop in when I go downtown. But may I know your exact address? When is it convenient for a visit? Thank you.
【小題3】God bless you! I’m a journalist and happened to read your brief story. A neighbor of mine looks exactly the same as the man in the picture you uploaded. This might be a chance in a million. Telephone me at 818-5690.
【小題4】As a newcomer and a freshman, I am looking for a room as close to my university as possible. I would like to have some friends, too. I think your place might be the right choice for me. But can I know how much the rent is?
【小題5】I am a salesman from Paris. My first difficulty working in this city is language. I would appreciate it if you could help me learn English through the Keyboard.

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2010屆廣東省惠州市高三第三次調(diào)研考試 題型:信息匹配

 

第二節(jié)       信息匹配(共5小題;每小題2分,滿分10分)

閱讀下列應(yīng)用文和相關(guān)信息,并按照要求匹配信息。請在答題卡上將對應(yīng)題號的相應(yīng)選項字母涂黑(若選擇E,請涂AB;若選擇F,請涂CD)。

首先閱讀下列博客信息:

A. My name’s Marta and I’m from Mexico City, but I moved to Los Angeles, California, five years ago, now I am living in an apartment at No. 3178 SE Timmer Broadway. I am 28, single. I am a customer service representative for a large financial company. I am an outgoing person. I love to laugh and have fun! I enjoy cooking, dancing and listening to music. I don’t like watching or playing sports. You should be an outgoing, considerate lady with a good sense of humor, to share the apartment. Are you the one? Email and let’s have further talk.

B. My name’s Mark, and I’m from Hollywood, California. I’m a fitness instructor in Los Angeles. I am a friendly and easy-going person; I love playing sports — especially football and working out at the gym. I also play the guitar. My best friend David, who often has sports with me, went to Mexico last month. To avoid loneliness, I’d like very much to own a new friend who would share the fun of sports with me. I am longing.

C. My name’s Park Jun Seo, but you can call me Jun. I moved from Seoul Korea to Los Angeles two years ago. I am a graphic designer and I am looking for my younger brother, Lean Ban Seo, who might be in this city. As the story is too long, I just hope to find him and have my family reunited. He is lame at the right leg, 19 years old, 1.79 meters tall, with very big eyes and fair curly hair. With his picture of two years ago enclosed, I would be very appreciated if you have any information about that. Telephone me at 818-5789.

D. My name is Don and I am a programmer at a computer company. I have designed several pieces of software that can help students learn better, especially suitable for primary students who have some language disability to learn words and help them pronounce more correctly. If you think you need one, please fax to 857-4693. You can purchase by post.

E. My name’s Mauricio, and I’m a computer programmer working in the Los Angeles area. I am kind of shy, but maybe you can help me to be more outgoing. I like cooking, playing computer games, and chatting with friends online. If you think you are the proper one to be my E-pal, let’s chat!

F. My name’s Judy and I’m from Quebec, Canada. I am a sales woman in one of the women’s underwear stores in Montreal. I’d like to have more visitors to my shop. And you can bargain for a reduction of 10% to 30%, if you purchase in package. Let’s be friends.

請閱讀以下網(wǎng)站回復(fù)的信息,然后匹配回復(fù)的信息和網(wǎng)站原登出的博客信息:

56. I am a professional sportsman and work in the same city. I am so glad that I will have a good friend who can be the opponent to improve my techniques. E-mail me at bitterflower@yahoo.com.

57. As a shop owner, I might drop in when I go downtown. But may I know your exact address? When is it convenient for a visit? Thank you!

58. God bless you! I’m a journalist and happened to read your brief story. A neighbor of mine looks exactly the same as the man in the picture you uploaded. This might be a chance in a million. Telephone me at 818-5690.

59. As a new comer and a freshman, I am looking for a room as close to my university as possible. I would like to have some friends, too. I think your place might be the right choice for me. But can I know how much the rent is?

60. I am a salesman from Paris. My first difficulty working in this city is the language.I would appreciate it very much if you could help me learn English through the keyboard.

 

 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:20102011學(xué)年河北省高一第二學(xué)期期中考試英語卷 題型:信息匹配

根據(jù)對話內(nèi)容,從對話后的選項中選出能填入空白處的最佳選項.選項中有兩項多余選項. (共5小題,每小題1分,滿分5分)

M:Lovely day, isn’t it?

W:Mm, yes,   1   And it’s supposed to get warmer.

M:Yes, that’s true. You know, though, I’m always a little worried to see winter go.

W: 

M:Well, I love skating. In fact, I used to teach skating for a living.

W:Oh? That sounds interesting.   3 

M:I work at Bank of America. How about you?

W:  4 

M:Here?

W:No, I’m from Chicago. I’m just visiting here for the wedding.

M:Oh, I see.

W:By the way,  5   I’m Helen Keller.

M:Nice to meet you. My name is John Smith.

A.But what do you do now?

B.It’s very cold.

C.It’s really warm.

D.I guess I should introduce myself.

E.I’m on the radio station.

F.What’s your name?

G.Really?

 

 

 

查看答案和解析>>

同步練習(xí)冊答案