This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.
Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me accommodations in return for help with a craft task.
My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.
I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.
Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.
Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”
Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(氣息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!
【小題1】Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?

A.She wanted to enjoy a different Christmas.
B.She wanted to make more money.
C.She was inspired by her trip for a BBC TV program.
D.She hoped to present herself with a surprise.
【小題2】The author had her plans carried out and set out for Britain in ______.
A.spring B.summer C.fall D.winter
【小題3】What happened during the author’s trip to Britain?
A.She met many artists and craftspeople on her way to Britain.
B.She spent a whole summer in Britain making crafts.
C.She was asked to sew clothes, and curtains and made much money.
D.Many people showed great interest in making things themselves.
【小題4】According to the passage, people learn to ______ through crafting.
A.be grateful to what they have gained
B.keep up with fashion
C.stick to something interesting
D.know more information about craft
【小題5】What is the author’s opinion on homemade Christmas presents?
A.Making Christmas presents can only convey a bit of your love.
B.People can find their artistic talent in making Christmas presents.
C.A cup of hot cocoa can inspire you to make a creative present.
D.It would take a long time to prepare a homemade Christmas present.


【小題1】C
【小題2】C
【小題3】D
【小題4】A
【小題5】B

解析試題分析:本文描述了作者自制圣誕禮物及感想。首段介紹作者為何下定決心給自己制作圣誕禮物;第二段描繪她的旅程;第三四段描述旅途中所發(fā)生的事情:她幫別人做手工藝品,同時(shí)也碰到了很多想學(xué)的人;第五六段闡述作者及Sue Prichard對(duì)手工制品的觀點(diǎn);最后一段表明作者對(duì)于自制圣誕禮物的看法:即能省錢又能表達(dá)愛意。
【小題1】C推理判斷題。對(duì)作者決定自制圣誕禮物的原因推斷。根據(jù)第一段最后兩句可知,作者之所以堅(jiān)持今年自制圣誕禮物的真正原因是她的英國之旅(受BBC’s Newsnight一檔節(jié)目之邀,到英國做某項(xiàng)調(diào)查)激勵(lì)了她。故C是答案。
【小題2】C 推理判斷題。第二段提到,作者最終定下旅行計(jì)劃,開始上路時(shí),已是深秋(But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot.) 落葉已在腳下作響。C為正確答案。
【小題3】D推理判斷題。根據(jù)第四段中“I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things.”和“But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.”我們可以推斷“許多人對(duì)親自動(dòng)手制作東西表現(xiàn)出極大的興趣”。 A、B是未啟程之前作者自己的想象;她此行的目的不是賺錢,C錯(cuò)。
【小題4】A推理判斷題。根據(jù)第五段的第二句“But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again.”可知,手工藝品之所以受歡迎除了流行外,我們學(xué)會(huì)了珍惜勞動(dòng)、領(lǐng)略手工藝品的價(jià)值。因此A符合題意。
【小題5】B推理判斷題。推斷作者對(duì)自制圣誕禮物的看法。根據(jù)最后一段首句可知,作者認(rèn)為自制圣誕禮物能激發(fā)個(gè)人藝術(shù)潛能,B正確。 A錯(cuò)在only;該段提到,有些小禮物在30分鐘內(nèi)便可制作完成,D與原文表述不符。C不是作者對(duì)制作圣誕禮物的看法。
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D.since he was born in Haiti
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

At a few minutes past five, Dave noted that the blanket of darkness was lifting. He was just able to make out the heavier masses that eventually appeared as the familiar trees that lined the road at the base of the hill. The upper reaches of the sky showed lighter shades of gray.
Dave got out of bed quietly and dressed quickly. He mixed a spoonful of instant chocolate into a glass of cold water, and his impatience forced him to finish the drink in gulps.
As he walked down toward the lake, Dave paused to reach for the fishing pole and gear box on the bench where he had left them the night before.
By the time where he reached the small boat, a thick white mist(霧氣)had spread over the surface of the water. He stepped into the boat, sat down, and rowed out of the weed beds that lined the edge of the shore.
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

Living in a foreign culture there are many times when I realize that my perspective (觀點(diǎn)) on life is drastically different from those Koreans I interact (相互影響) with on a daily basis. This past week I have been greatly challenged to change my perspective and here is why.
My dream in life is to become a doctor, one who changes the world. But last week I opened an email from UBC that contained the words “regrets”, no interview. I didn’t get an interview to medical school, thus will not be entering school for September 2009. My immediate reaction was one of extreme disappointment and anger—mostly directed at myself for not working hard enough, for not seeking out the opportunities necessary to have a good application, for simply not being good enough. My mind was full of hopelessness and despair that left me with no desire to further seek for the dream that I’ve held for quite a time now.
During the past week two things happened. At church our pastor mentioned perspective in a section of his sermon (說教). He stated that when we take our eyes off ourselves and realize God’s greatness, our circumstances will be seen through a new perspective.
The second thing that reminded me to look at perspective was reading a book. The Mitford Series is so good if you are looking for books to read. So last night I was reading and one of the main characters (who is a priest) is trying to figure out what to say at church. His sermon ended up saying “In everything we give thanks.” It is easy to give thanks when we feel successful in life. It is easy to give thanks when we receive a blessing. But seriously, who in their right mind says thanks for the financial problems I have?
【小題1】Where does the author probably live now?
A. In the USA.             B. In Britain.              C. In China.                 D. In Korea.
【小題2】How did she feel when the author received the email from UBC?

A.Surprised.B.Disappointed.C.Excited.D.Pleased.
【小題3】In the first pastor’s view, when we face disappointment or despair, we should _________.
A.turn to God for helpB.say thanks to it
C.see it in another wayD.praise others for it
【小題4】What can we infer from the passage?
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B.The author thinks the second sermon is wiser.
C.The author still wants to be a doctor.
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

Sure,it's good to get along well with your teacher because it makes the time you spend in the classroom more pleasant.
And yes,it's good to get along well with your teacher because,in general,it's smart to learn how to get along well with the different types of people you'll meet throughout your life.
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However,if a certain teacher isn't your favorite,you can still have a successful relationship with him or her,especially________.Here are some of those responsibilities:
Attend class ready to learn.
Be prepared for class with the right pencils,books,and completed assignments.
Listen when your teacher is talking.
Do your best,whether it's a classroom assignment,homework,or a test.
【小題1】The passage is written for________.

A.teachersB.a(chǎn)dvisersC.studentsD.parents
【小題2】According to the passage,getting along well with your teachers will make you________.
A.get the best scores in the exams
B.have more pleasant time in the classroom
C.have no problems with study
D.get a better seat in the classroom
【小題3】The underlined word “that” in the fourth paragraph refers to________.
A.getting along very well with classmates
B.the disappearance of personality differences
C.a(chǎn) better relationship between you and your teacher
D.the happy time you have in the classroom
【小題4】“________” can be filled in the blank.
A.if you fulfill your basic responsibilities as a student
B.if you are easy­going and helpful
C.if you know some basic social skills
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