Question

Throughout the centuries, various writers have contributed greatly to the literary treasure of books lining the shelves of today’s libraries. In addition to writing interesting material, many famous writers, such as Edgar Allan Poe, were larger-than-life characters with personal histories that are as interesting to read as the stories they wrote. Poe’s rocky life included being driven off from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1831 and an ongoing battle with alcohol. Yet, despite heavy gambling debts, poor health, and terrible unemployment, Poe managed to produce a body of popular works, including" The Raven" and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue．”

Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, once lived among the man-eaters in the Marquesas

Islands and wrote unusual tales inspired by his years of service in the U.S. Navy. Dublin-born Oscar Wilde was noted for his charming personality, his outrageous lifestyle, and creating witty phrases such as, "Nothing succeeds like excess." D.H. Lawrence wrote shameful novels that were often cut, and Anne Rice led a double life writing bestselling horrible novels under her real name and using "A.N. Roquelaure" for the lowbrow(文化低)unhealthy novels she penned on the side. Nonconformist不墨守成规的)author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau once fled to the woods and generated enough interesting material to fill his noted book Walden. Thoreau wrote on

the issue of passive resistance protest in his essay "Civil Disobedience”and served time in jail for refusing tax payments in protest of the United States government’s policy towards slavery. American short story writer O. Henry’s colorful life was ruined by tragic events, such as being accused and sentenced for stealing money from an Austin, Texas bank. Despite his success selling his short stories, O. Henry struggled financially and was nearly bankrupt when he died.

As diverse as these famous authors’backgrounds were，th即all led unconventional lives while writing great literary works that will endure throughout the ages. The next time you read an interesting book, consider learning more about the author by reading his or her biograp卜y so you can learn about the unique life experiences that shaped his or her writing.

1.Which of the following is NOT TRUE about Edgar Allan Poe?

A. He had his own interesting personal history as other famous writers.

B. He graduated from United States Military Academy at West Point in 1831．

C. He once had heavy gambling debts and fell down with illness.

D. He managed to produce popular works no matter how rocky his life was.

2.What can you infer from Para. 2?

A. D.H. lawrence and Anne Rice once wrote similar type of novels.

B. Anne Rice used a pen name because her novels were quite popular.

C. Anne Rice used different names when she wrote bestselling novels.

D. Henry David Thoreau enriched his books by living in the forests.

3.Which statement is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Henry David Thoreau was passionately opposed to horrible events.

B. Anne Rice always used a pen name to hide her true identity.

C. Herman Melville stayed with man-eaters during his naval service.

D. O. Henry’s life was colorful though he had lots of difficulties.

4.The passage mainly tells us that＿＿．

A. many famous writers lived nontraditional lives

B. most famous writers were usually troublemakers

C. writers had to lead interesting lives to generate materials

D. the biographies of famous writers are always inspirational

 

Answer 1

1.B

2.A

3.C

4.A

【解析】

试题分析：文章大意：本文主要介绍了世界上许多著名作家为了积累写作素材，选择体验过着非传统性的生活。

1.一段的句子Poe’s rocky life included being driven off from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1831 and an ongoing battle with alcohol.可知与B选择项的事实不相符合。选B

2.D.H. Lawrence wrote shameful novels that were often cut, and Anne Rice led a double life writing bestselling horrible novels under her real name and using "A.N. Roquelaure" for the lowbrow(文化低)unhealthy novels she penned on the side.可知两人曾经写过相似风格的小说。选A

3.细节理解题。根据第三段第一句Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, once lived among the man-eaters in the Marquesas Islands and wrote unusual tales inspired by his years of service in the U.S. Navy.可以得出答案。选C

4.主旨大意题。根据文章大意：本文主要介绍了世界上许多著名作家为了积累写作素材，选择体验过着非传统性的生活。选A

考点：考查社会类短文阅读