A report brought back by most visitors to the US is how friendly, polite, and helpful most Americans were to them. To be fair, this observation is also frequently made of Canada and Canadians, and should best be considered North American. There are, of course, exceptions. Small-minded officials, rude waiters, and ill-mannered taxi drivers are hardly unknown in the US. Yet American’s friendliness and helpfulness is an observation made so frequently that it deserves comment.
For a long period of time and in many parts of the country, a traveler was a welcome break in an otherwise dull existence. Dullness and loneliness were common problems of the families who generally lived distant from one another. Strangers and travelers were welcome sources of distraction, and brought news of the outside world.
The tough realities of the border also shaped this tradition of hospitality. Someone traveling alone, if hungry, injured, or ill, often had nowhere to turn except to the nearest settler agent. It was not a matter of choice for the traveler or only a charitable impulse (沖動) on the part of the settlers. It reflected the hardship of daily life: if you didn't take in the stranger and take care of him, there was no one else who would. And someday, remember, you might be in the same situation.
Today there are many charitable organizations which specialize in helping the exhausted traveler. Yet, the old tradition of hospitality to strangers is still very strong in the US, especially in the smaller cities and towns away from the busy tourist routes. "I was just traveling through, got talking with this American, and pretty soon he invited me home for dinner, amazing." Such observations reported by visitors to the US are not uncommon, but are not always understood properly. The casual friendliness of many Americans should be understood neither as superficial(表面的)nor as artificial(虛偽的), but as the result of a historically developed cultural tradition.
As is true of any developed society, in America a complex set of cultural signals and customs is the basis of all social inter-relationships. And, of course, speaking a language does not necessarily mean that someone understands social and cultural patterns. Visitors who fail to "translate" cultural meanings properly often draw wrong conclusions. For example when an American uses the word "friend", the cultural meanings of the word may be quite different from those it has in the visitor's language and culture. It takes more than a brief encounter on a bus to tell polite customs from individual interest. Yet, being friendly is a virtue (美德) that many Americans value highly and expect from both neighbors and strangers.
【小題1】In the eyes of visitors from the outside world, ________.
A.rude taxi drivers are hardly seen in the US |
B.small-minded officials deserve a serious comment |
C.Canadians are not so friendly as their neighbors |
D.most Americans are ready to offer help |
A.culture has an influence over social inter-relationship |
B.polite customs and individual interest are inter-related |
C.various virtues shows themselves only among friends |
D.social inter-relationships equal the complex set of cultural customs |
A.to improve their hard life | B.in view of their long-distance travel |
C.to add some taste to their own daily life | D.out of a charitable impulse |
A.tends to be superficial and artificial |
B.is generally well kept up in the United States |
C.is always understood properly |
D.has something to do with the busy tourist route |
【小題1】D
【小題2】A
【小題3】C
【小題4】B
解析試題分析:本文介紹了訪問過美國的游客都會覺得美國人民熱情、助人為樂,作者分析了美國能保留熱情好客傳統(tǒng)的原因。
【小題1】細(xì)節(jié)題:根據(jù)第一段第一句“A report brought back by most visitors to the US is how friendly, polite, and helpful most Americans were to them.”到美國去的旅游者對大多數(shù)美國人的印象是友好、禮貌和樂于助人。故選D。
【小題2】推理題:根據(jù)最后一段第一句“As is true of any developed society, in America a complex set of cultural signals and customs is the basis of all social inter-relationships.”同任何發(fā)達(dá)國家一樣,美國有一套建立在所有社會相互關(guān)系基礎(chǔ)上的復(fù)雜的文化信號,假設(shè),和習(xí)俗。由此可知文化對社會相互關(guān)系產(chǎn)生影響。故選A
【小題3】推理題:根據(jù)文章第二段內(nèi)容可知相距很遠(yuǎn)的居住條件使人們的生活無聊、孤獨,旅行者的到來會給他們帶來外界的消息,也是一種娛樂消遣。故選C。
【小題4】細(xì)節(jié)題:根據(jù)第四段中“Yet, the old tradition of hospitality to strangers is still very strong in the US, especially in the smaller cities and towns away from the busy tourist routes.”然而,對陌生人熱情好客的老傳統(tǒng)在美國仍然很強,尤其是在小城市和城鎮(zhèn)遠(yuǎn)離旅游熱線。故選B。
考點:考查風(fēng)俗習(xí)慣類閱讀
科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
A few common misconceptions. Beauty is only skin-deep. One' s physical assets and liabilities don' t count all that much in a managerial career. A woman should always try to look her best.
Over the last 30 years, social scientists have conducted more than 1,000 studies of how we react to beautiful and not- so-beautiful people. The virtually unanimous conclusion: Looks do matter, more than most of us realize. The data suggest, for example, the physically attractive individuals are more likely to be treated well by their parents, sought out as friends, and pursued romantically. With the possible exception of women seeking managerial jobs they are also more likely to be hired, paid well, and promoted.
Un-American, you say, unfair and extremely unbelievable? Once again, the scientists have caught us mouthing pieties (虔誠) while acting just the contrary. Their typical experiment works something like this. They give each member of a group--college students, perhaps, or teachers or corporate personnel managers a piece of paper relating an individual' s accomplishments. Attached to the paper is a photograph. While the papers all say exactly the same thing the pictures are different. Some show a strikingly attractive person, some an average-looking character, and some an unusually unattractive human being. Group members are asked to rate the individual on certain attributes, anything from personal warmth to the likelihood that he or she will be promoted.
Almost invariably, the better looking the person in the picture, the higher the person is rated. In the phrase, borrowed from Sappho, that the social scientists use to sum up the common perception, what is beautiful is good.
In business, however, good looks cut both ways for women, and deeper than for men. A Utah State University professor, who is an authority on the subject, explains: In terms of their careers, the impact of physical attractiveness on males is only modest. But its potential impact on females can be tremendous, making it easier, for example, for the more attractive to get jobs where they are in the public eye. on another note, though, there is enough literature now for us to conclude that attractive women who aspire (追求) to managerial positions do not get on as well as who may be less attractive.
【小題1】 In "Beauty is only skin-deep", "skin-deep" can be replaced by______.
A.decorating | B.superficial | C.expressive | D.demanding |
A.whether or not one looks good or bad, it doesn' t affect much one' s managerial career |
B.in one' s managerial career, he may deal with cases like assets and liabilities |
C.in one' s managerial career, he may rarely deal with cases like assets and liabilities |
D.whether or not one looks good or bad, it may affect much one' s managerial career |
A.people do not realize the importance of looking one' s best |
B.women in pursuit of managerial jobs are not likely to be paid well |
C.good -looking women aspire to managerial positions |
D.a(chǎn)ttractive people generally have an advantage over those who are not |
A.a(chǎn)ttractive women have tremendous potential impact on public job |
B.good-looking women always get the best of everything |
C.being attractive is not always an advantage for women |
D.a(chǎn)ttractive women do not do as well as unattractive women in managerial positions |
A.handsome men are not affected as much by their looks as attractive women are |
B.physically attractive women who are in the public eye usually do quite well |
C.physically attractive men and women who are in the public eye usually get along quite well |
D.good looks are important for women as they are for men |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Some people will do just about anything to save money.And I am one of them.Take my family's last vacation.It was my six-year-old son's winter break from school,and we were heading home from Fort Lauderdale after a weeklong trip.The flight was overbooked,and Delta,the airline,offered us $400 per person in credits to give up our seats and leave the next day.I had meetings in New York,so I had to get back.But that didn't mean my husband and my son couldn't stay.I took my nine-month-old and took off for home.
The next day,my husband and son were offered more credits to take an even later flight.Yes,I encouraged—okay,ordered—them to wait it out at the airport to “earn” more Delta Dollars.Our total take:$1,600.Not bad,huh?
Now some people may think I'm a bad mother and not such a great wife either.But as a big-time bargain hunter,I know the value of a dollar.And these days,a good deal is something few of us can afford to pass up.
I've made a living looking for the best deals and exposing(揭露) the worst tricks.I have been the consumer reporter of NBC's Today show for over a decade.I have written a couple of books including one titled Tricks of the Trade:A Consumer Survival Guide.And I really do what I believe in.
I tell you this because there is no shame in getting your money's worth.I'm also tightfisted when it comes to shoes,clothes for my children,and expensive restaurants.But I wouldn't hesitate to spend on a good haircut.It keeps its shape longer,and it's the first thing people notice.And I will also spend on a classic piece of furniture.Quality lasts.
【小題1】Why did Delta give the author's family credits?
A.They took a later flight. |
B.They had early bookings. |
C.Their flight had been delayed. |
D.Their flight had been cancelled. |
A.She rarely misses a good deal. |
B.She seldom makes a compromise. |
C.She is very strict with her children. |
D.She is interested in cheap products. |
A.She's a teacher. |
B.She's a housewife. |
C.She's a media person. |
D.She's a businesswoman. |
A.How to expose bad tricks. |
B.How to reserve airline seats. |
C.How to spend money wisely. |
D.How to make a business deal. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Is it necessary for a young man to have an apartment as a prerequisite(先決條件) for marriage? Housing has become a major obstacle(障礙) for Chinese young men hoping to start a family. China may breed a new group of bachelors, men caught in the trap of unaffordable houses.
Since early 2009, the housing market has once again become a hot pot at boiling point. Even with allowance(津貼) and special government policies, home prices in China's first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai are riding the crest(波峰)of a rising wave. According to the "2010 China Marital Status Report" released on Dec 15, 2010, about 70 percent of women interviewed said that housing, a stable income and some savings were the main requirements for marriage.
From the report, we can see that housing is given top priority(優(yōu)先權(quán)) and that women see an apartment as essential(必不可少的) to show that the man is responsible and can provide for his family.
Personality and morals lay outside the top three matrimonial (婚姻的)requirements. Some women and their families hold the traditional position and take it for granted that the home issue should be the man's responsibility, which doesn’t agree with the contemporary independent spirit of women and gender equality. These marriage values reflect the fact that many women consider marriage another form of "social welfare".
Things may be different overseas. Social housing, provided by European authorities, offer the less wealthy people their own piece of real estate. Such housing is usually apartments in tall buildings with 10 or more floors on the outskirts of town, whose main advantage is the low rents.
For many Americans, houses don't pose an obstacle to getting married. They often buy a house after the wedding, because more and more people are reconsidering their real estate worship, and going back to a more rational(理性的) mode of consumption.
In Japan, renting is the custom for newly married young couples. Few young couples can afford to purchase property. Up to 67.1 percent of young couples choose to rent. Generally speaking, renters account for most people younger than 40 in Japan.
Young people should be free to enjoy being young, without the huge pressure of trying to buy property. Society should help create an environment for them to grow up. Don't let the poor bachelor group become a suffering layer(層) of our society.
【小題1】Which of the following is Not True according to the text?
A.Home prices have been extremely high since early 2009. |
B.In the modern society, women don’t want to be independent. |
C.Chinese government has already done something to control home prices. |
D.Lots of Chinese young men couldn’t get married because of their economic capability. |
A.urban areas | B.rural areas(鄉(xiāng)下) |
C.suburbs | D.downtown areas |
A.Because they can’t afford a house. |
B.Because they enjoy their social welfare. |
C.Because their families want them to marry men with houses. |
D.Because they think it’s a symbol of the men’s sense of responsibility. |
A.new couples in those countries like to rent houses |
B.the situation is different in some foreign countries |
C.it’s better to live in those countries than live in China |
D.their governments have done more than Chinese government |
A.the society can develop rapidly |
B.young people can lead a happy life |
C.a(chǎn)ll the young people can afford houses |
D.the poor bachelors can become rich and enjoy their life |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Motorists over the age of 75 face compulsory tests of their eyesight and ability to drive under proposals being considered by ministers.
The biggest overhaul of motoring law in a generation could also lead to all drivers having to give assurances of their fitness to get behind the wheel every 10 years.
Other changes under consideration include issuing daylight driving licenses for motorists with night blindness, together with stricter checks on all drivers whose medical condition brought a threat to other road users.
It is understood that the proposals will be part of a review of the law governing the medical fitness of drivers that will be announced publicly by the summer.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is dealing with a rising number of motorists who are concerned that they have conditions---from failing eyesight to epilepsy---that could affect their driving.
In 2006, the DVLA dealt with 600,000 motorists whose physical ability to drive needed to be recertified(重新認(rèn)證), a 20 per cent rise on the previous year. With an ageing population, the biggest challenge is dealing with the rising number of elderly motorists. By 2021, there will be an estimated three million drivers over the age of 70 on Britain’s roads.
Drivers must renew their licenses at the age of 70 and every three years thereafter. The applicant is legally required to tell the DVLA of any conditions that could weaken their ability behind the wheel.
Ministers have ruled out a compulsory maximum age for driving but will instead rely on tightening up the checks on motorists over the age of 75. The most likely option would be tests to ensure motorists were fit to drive. They would include an eyesight test and a cognitive(認(rèn)知) test that would prove a driver's ability to react to road signs, driving conditions, pedestrians and vehicles.
However, checks are likely to be tightened at all ages. The strictest controls are expected to be imposed(強制)on motorists of any age who have had a heart attack or stroke. They could have to produce a doctor's approval to resume(重新得到)driving. Anyone making a false declaration would be guilty of a criminal offence.
【小題1】Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
A.The new motoring law will come into effect by the summer. |
B.Drivers over the age of 75 must renew their licenses every three years. |
C.Doctors will decide whether one can get their driving licenses. |
D.Drivers at all ages will be expected to provide their medical condition. |
A.Ageing population. | B.Increasing number of cars. |
C.Increasing number of elderly motorists. | D.Driving conditions. |
A.change | B.consideration | C.concern | D.challenge |
A.There will be more and more aged drivers in Britain. |
B.Anyone can get a driving license as long as he/she is in good health. |
C.Health tends to decline as one gets old. |
D.It will be guilty to make a false declaration. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
It is not unusual to see your desk-mate yawn (打呵欠) as he complains that he didn't have a good sleep the night before. Many teens don't get enough sleep because they have too much homework, which keeps them up at night. Some teens cannot sleep at night even when they want to.
Studies show that during your teenage years, the body's biological clock is reset, telling you to sleep later at night and wake up later in the morning.
But changes in the body clock aren't the only reason teens lose sleep. Lots of people have insomnia (失眠). The most common cause of insomnia is stress. But all sorts of things can lead to insomnia. These include physical discomfort, emotional troubles and even sleeping environment. It's common for everyone to have insomnia from time to time. But if it lasts for a month or more go and see a doctor.
Some people have a condition that causes stomach acid (酸) to move backward towards the chest. This produces the uncomfortable, burning feeling called heartburn. So even if the person doesn't notice the feelings of heartburn because he is sleeping, he may feel tired the next day.
Most teens have nightmares sometimes. But, if they are frequent, a person's sleep pattern can be seriously affected. The most common cause of nightmares is emotional problems, such as stress (壓力) or anxiety. If you have them a lot, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.
Doctors encourage teens to make lifestyle changes to develop good sleeping habits. You probably know that coffee can keep you awake, but did you know that playing video games or watching TV does the same?
【小題1】The main idea of the first paragraph is ________.
A.There is a problem that teenagers can’t get enough sleep. |
B.Sleeping problems have different causes. |
C.Yawning is a good way to get rid of sleep. |
D.Teenagers care too much for homework. |
A.easily makes teenagers lead to insomnia |
B.is the origin of their insomnia |
C.provides them with plenty of time at night |
D.is helpful to improve their concentration(注意力) |
A.It is nothing and shouldn’t be taken seriously. |
B.It can release their stress or anxiety. |
C.Emotional problems are the only way to form nightmares. |
D.People will suffer from sleep if frequent. |
A.Drinking some coffee before going to bed. |
B.Playing video game or watching TV from time to time. |
C.Turning to a doctor for help. |
D.Eating much medicine for insomnia. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
When Christopher Columbus landed on the then unnamed Costa Rica in 1502, he saw many Indians wearing gold earrings. So he thought the land must be rich in gold. He named the place Costa Rica, which means “rich coast” in Spanish.
Though little gold was found, Costa Rica today is indeed rich with coffee and bananas. Coffee is the most important product in Costa Rica and most of it is exported to other countries like America and West Germany. Bananas are the country’s second most important export.
Costa Ricans also grow many other crops such as fruits, corn and beans for their own use. Costa Ricans love colors and their houses are painted in bright colors.
Education is very important to the Costa Ricans. Almost every village has a school and education is a must for children between seven and fourteen years of age. Boys and girls go to separate schools. Classes begin in March and end in November. The other three months of the year are harvest time and the children have to help their parents to pick coffee beans.
【小題1】What’s the main idea of the first paragraph?
A.How Columbus found Costa Rica. |
B.How Costa Rica got its name. |
C.What the Costa Ricans wore. |
D.What language the Costa Ricans spoke. |
A.pink and red. | B.grey and black |
C.blue and green. | D.yellow and orange |
A.have lessons every day |
B.have their examinations |
C.help their parents pick coffee beans |
D.go to separate schools |
A.Christopher Columbus |
B.Costa Rica |
C.some products from Costa Rica |
D.the education of Costa Rica |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
A carefree summer vacation can be yours with these easy tips.
1.Fly into Alternate Airports
Most major destinations are served by more than one airport.Flying into a less popular one can result in cheaper tickets.Another added perk of quieter airports? Shorter check-in and security lines,and less waiting around.
2.Use Public Transportation for City Travel to Save Time and Money
When possible,take public transportation from the airport to your hotel.For example,the London-Heathrow express train takes just 15 minutes to get from airport to city and costs under 20 pounds.By contrast,“A taxi costs about 70 pounds and takes 40 minutes,"reports DiScala.
3.Eat Smart,Explore…and Save
Look for ways to take your order in pricey restaurants and you can avoid “Are we about to run out of money?”“Don’t order an appetizer.Don’t drink a lot of booze,” says DiScala.
Also,cover more ground by spreading out your snack places.“Have dessert at a café or ice cream stand, instead of at the dinner restaurant,” suggests DiScala.You’ll see more of the city and decisions about where to go for dinner will be less worrying.
4.Hit the Market
Much like reading the local newspaper,visiting a market gives context to a foreign country.
Even the smallest villages tend to have a weekly open-air market(often on Saturday mornings) , while in larger towns and cities,expect additional market days,as well as big supermarkets.
Markets also sell amazing,wallet-friendly souvenirs.Think about sea salt,local spices or sauces,and regional oils and vinegars. Eatable gifts are almost always appreciated,saving you the stress of finding the“perfect”gift for each person on your list.
【小題1】The passage aims to tell the readers how to________.
A.take a plane without waiting for long |
B.spend your holidays abroad economically |
C.eat in a pricey restaurant at the smallest expense |
D.save money to buy eatable gifts in a foreign market |
A.Special benefit. | B.Strict standard. |
C.Common scene. | D.Extra trouble. |
A.Choosing a bigger airport. | B.Visiting local markets. |
C.Having dinner at the hotel. | D.Taking an express train. |
A.Having coffee at a cafe will cost more money. |
B.Souvenirs bought at local markets are expensive. |
C.You will run out of your money if you eat out. |
D.Markets help you understand your tourist destination. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Water is the most common substance(物質(zhì)) found on the earth, but less than 1% of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking. More than 1,000,000,000 people around the world survive on just over 1 galon of water a day. Probebly more than 3,000,000,000 people may suffer from not having enough water by the year 2025. You are considered lucky if you live in a country where you can drink water out of your kitchen tap or bathroom tap. People in some countries have to pay for drinking water at home. So clean water is one of our most valuabe natural resources(資源).
In fact, peole waste so much clean water today. In factories lots of water is wasted. At home many people are not taking showers but still baths, and many are brushing their teeth with the tap turned on. Children are no longer taught how to save water….
You can save clean water in many ways. For example, if you keep gold fish, the tank water excellent for graden plants. And when you wash a milk bottle, pour the water on your house plants. Putting a brick or a water into your toilet tank many help use less water, saving many gallons over a long time.
Using rainwater is another simple way to save clean water. You can use rainwater to wash your hands after gardening, flush the toilet, and wash your car, your pet, your driveway when they are dirty.
For the same reason, people in Malaysia are encourageed to use rainwater. If one has a house with a small garden, he would buy a huge plastic tank to keep rainwater for their daily life.
【小題1】We can learn from the passage ______.
A.when man can’t live without water |
B.where there is no water resource |
C.why there is less water on the earth |
D.how important it is to save water |
A.to stop keeping gold fish |
B.to pay much for drinking water |
C.to use it in a clever way |
D.to educate those who waste water |
A.clean something with water |
B.pour water over something |
C.make somehting wet with water |
D.get water out of someghing |
A.so that is can make our life easier |
B.so that clean water can be kept for other uses |
C.because is it free and easy to get |
D.because there is no claen water left for them |
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