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(气息) 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!
【小题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. |
A.spring | B.summer | C.fall | D.winter |
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. |
A.be grateful to what they have gained |
B.keep up with fashion |
C.stick to something interesting |
D.know more information about craft |
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. |
【小题1】C
【小题2】C
【小题3】D
【小题4】A
【小题5】B
解析试题分析:本文描述了作者自制圣诞礼物及感想。首段介绍作者为何下定决心给自己制作圣诞礼物;第二段描绘她的旅程;第三四段描述旅途中所发生的事情:她帮别人做手工艺品,同时也碰到了很多想学的人;第五六段阐述作者及Sue Prichard对手工制品的观点;最后一段表明作者对于自制圣诞礼物的看法:即能省钱又能表达爱意。
【小题1】C推理判断题。对作者决定自制圣诞礼物的原因推断。根据第一段最后两句可知,作者之所以坚持今年自制圣诞礼物的真正原因是她的英国之旅(受BBC’s Newsnight一档节目之邀,到英国做某项调查)激励了她。故C是答案。
【小题2】C 推理判断题。第二段提到,作者最终定下旅行计划,开始上路时,已是深秋(But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot.) 落叶已在脚下作响。C为正确答案。
【小题3】D推理判断题。根据第四段中“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.”我们可以推断“许多人对亲自动手制作东西表现出极大的兴趣”。 A、B是未启程之前作者自己的想象;她此行的目的不是赚钱,C错。
【小题4】A推理判断题。根据第五段的第二句“But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again.”可知,手工艺品之所以受欢迎除了流行外,我们学会了珍惜劳动、领略手工艺品的价值。因此A符合题意。
【小题5】B推理判断题。推断作者对自制圣诞礼物的看法。根据最后一段首句可知,作者认为自制圣诞礼物能激发个人艺术潜能,B正确。 A错在only;该段提到,有些小礼物在30分钟内便可制作完成,D与原文表述不符。C不是作者对制作圣诞礼物的看法。
考点:故事类阅读理解
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
LONDON---A British judge on Thursday sentenced a businessman who sold fake(假冒的)bomb detectors(探测器)to 10 years in prison, saying the man hadn’t cared about potentially deadly consequences.
It is believed that James McCormick got about $ 77.8 million from the sales of his detectors---which were based on a kind of golf ball finder---to countries including Iraq, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
McCormick, 57, was convicted(判罪)of cheats last month and sentenced Thursday at the Old Bailey court in London.
“Your cheating conduct in selling a great amount of useless equipment simply for huge profit promoted a false sense of security and in all probability materially contributed to causing death and injury to innocent people,” Judge Richard Hone told McCormick. “You have neither regret, nor shame, nor any sense of guilt.”
The detectors, sold for up to $ 42, 000 each, were said to be able to find such dangerous objects as bombs under water and from the air. But in fact they “lacked any grounding in science” and were of no use.
McCormick had told the court that he sold his detectors to the police in Kenya, the prison service in Hong Kong, the army in Egypt and the border control in Thailand.
“I never had any bad results from customers,” he said.
【小题1】Why was McCormick sentenced to prison?
A.He sold bombs. | B.He caused death of people. |
C.He made detectors. | D.He cheated in business. |
A.increased the cost of safeguarding |
B.lowered people’s guard against danger |
C.changed people’s idea of social security |
D.caused innocent people to commit crimes |
A.They have not been sold to Africa |
B.They have caused many serious problems. |
C.They can find dangerous objects in water. |
D.They don’t function on the basis of science. |
A.solo the equipment at a low price |
B.was well-known in most countries |
C.did not think he had committed the crime |
D.had not got such huge profit as mentioned in the text |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
A butcher watching over his shop was really surprised when he saw a dog coming inside the shop. He went over to the dog and noticed it had a note in its mouth. He took the note and it read “Can I have 12 sausages and a leg of lamb, please. The dog has money in his mouth, as well.”
The butcher looked carefully and was surprised to find that there was really a ten-dollar note there. So he took the money and put the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog’s mouth. The butcher was so impressed, and since it was about closing time, he decided to shut up shop and follow the dog.
So off he went. He followed the dog to a bus stop. The dog stopped and started looking at the timetable. The dog checked out the time, and then sat on one of the seats provided. Along came a bus. The dog walked around to the front, looked at the number, and went back to its seat. Another bus came. Again the dog went around to the front, looked at the number and climbed on. The butcher, by now, open-mouthed, followed it onto the bus.
The bus traveled through the town and out into the suburbs. Eventually the dog got up, and moved to the front of the bus. It stood on two back paws and pushed the button to stop the bus. Then it got off with groceries still in its mouth.
Well, the dog and the butcher were walking along the road, and then the dog turned into a house. It walked up the path, and dropped the groceries on the step. Then it walked back down the path, took a big run, and threw itself against the door. Then again, it threw himself against it. There’s no answer at the house. so the dog waited at the door.
The butcher watched as a big guy opened the door, and started shouting at it. The butcher ran up, and stopped the guy. “Why do you shout at the dog? It is really a genius.” The guy responded, “You call this clever? This is the second time this week that this stupid dog’s forgotten its key.”
【小题1】Which may be the best title of the passage?
A.A clever dog. | B.A curious butcher. |
C.A cruel owner. | D.A second lost key. |
A.Because there was a note in the dog’s mouth. |
B.Because a dog was not supposed to come into his shop alone. |
C.Because the dog was not afraid of being butchered. |
D.Because the dog could read. |
A.dogs are cleverer than man |
B.dogs are our best friend |
C.the butcher is a cruel person |
D.some people are never satisfied with what they have got |
A.it wanted to force the door open |
B.it wanted its owner to open the door |
C.it wanted to punish itself for forgetting the key |
D.it wanted to get the butcher’s help |
A.The butcher was curious so he followed the dog. |
B.The dog didn’t get on the first bus because it was the wrong number. |
C.To get off the bus, you should let the driver know by pressing the button. |
D.The dog would be driven away by the big guy. |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
When Mary Moore began her high school in 1951, her mother told her, "Be sure and take a typing course so when this show business thing doesn't work out, you'll have something to rely on." Mary responded in typical teenage fashion. From that moment on, "the very last thing I ever thought about doing was taking a typing course," she recalls.
The show business thing worked out, of course. In her career, Mary won many awards. Only recently, when she began to write Growing Up Again, did she regret ignoring her mom," I don't know how to use a computer," she admits.
Unlike her 1995 autobiography, After All, her second book is less about life as an award-winning actress and more about living with diabetes (糖尿病). All the money from the book is intended for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), an organization she serves as international chairman. "I felt there was a need for a book like this," she says. "I didn't want to lecture, but I wanted other diabetics to know that things get better when we're self-controlled and do our part in managing the disease."
But she hasn't always practiced what she teaches. In her book, she describes that awful day, almost 40 years ago, when she received two pieces of life-changing news. First, she had lost the baby she was carrying, and second, tests showed that she had diabetes. In a childlike act, she left the hospital and treated herself to a box of doughnuts (甜甜圈). Years would pass before she realized she had to grow up--again---and take control of her diabetes, not let it control her. Only then did she kick her three-pack-a-day cigarette habit, overcome her addiction to alcohol, and begin to follow a balanced diet.
Although her disease has affected her eyesight and forced her to the sidelines of the dance floor, she refuses to fall into self-pity. "Everybody on earth can ask, 'why me?' about something or other," she insists. "It doesn't do any good. No one is immune (免疫的) to heartache, pain, and disappointments. Sometimes we can make things better by helping others. I've come to realize the importance of that as I've grown up this second time. I want to speak out and be as helpful as I can be."
【小题1】Why did Mary feel regretful?
A.She didn't achieve her ambition. |
B.She didn't take care of her mother. |
C.She didn't complete her high school. |
D.She didn't follow her mother's advice. |
A.had two books published | B.received many career awards |
C.knew how to use a computer | D.supported the JDRF by writing |
A.living with diabetes | B.successful show business |
C.service for an organization | D.remembrance of her mother |
A.lost control of herself | B.began a balanced diet |
C.tired to get a treatment | D.behaved in an adult way |
A.Mary feels pity for herself. |
B.Mary has recovered from her disease. |
C.Mary wants to help others as much as possible. |
D.Mary determines to go back to the dance floor. |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
DEAR AMY: Last year I got a full-time job as a baby-sitter for a wonderful family with two amazing kids. They have come to treat me as one of their own. But my boyfriend and I are attempting to save much more money for the life we want to build, including marriage, a house and kids. Much as I love my “babies,” I’m looking forward to beginning a challenging career in a big company. Should I tell the family that I am looking for a new job? I don’t want to find one that requires me to begin work immediately, leaving them without child care, but I also don’t want them to assume that I’m leaving right away.
Up-in-the-Air Au Pair
DEAR AU PAIR: Whatever your arrangement, it is reasonable for them to expect you to be honest and to keep them in the loop. They see that you are making changes in your life, and surely they will also understand your desire to advance in a career. Tell them frankly and they should be happy to employ you as long as you are available.
Amy
DEAR AMY: I am a freshman in a high school. Last summer my best friend was diagnosed with skin cancer. It isn’t very serious, but she seems to be becoming more and more depressed. How can I help her be happy again?
Best Friend
DEAR FRIEND: Your best role is to prop up and encourage your friend when she seems down, and to be supportive and kind to her. You're doing a great job with that, and your friend is lucky to have you in her life.
Amy
【小题1】What is Au Pair’s problem according to the first paragraph?
A.She has no idea whether to tell the family her plan or not. |
B.She has no idea whether the family will hate her or not. |
C.She has no idea where to find a new good job. |
D.She has no idea how to save more money. |
A.to keep it secret to the family |
B.to cheat the family for the time being |
C.to tell her true impression of the family |
D.to let the family know what’s going on |
A.Jobs | B.culture | C.Life | D.Entertainment |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
A Tchaikovsky concerto(协奏曲)is what made Romel Joseph fall in love with the violin.
He learned how to play in Haiti, where he was born, but a Fulbright scholarship brought him to the United States, and he finally earned a master’s degree, reports CBS News reporter Katie Couric. Music had changed his life. He wanted to do the same for the children of Haiti.
Joseph built a school in Port-au-Prince nearly 20 years ago. He was on the third floor when suddenly “It was like boom boom boom and everything just opened,” Joseph said. “And the next thing I knew I was on the ground.”
Blind since birth, Joseph tried to feel his way out, but was pinned(夹)beneath heavy concrete(混凝土). He remained trapped for 18 hours. He prays that his new wife, seven months pregnant(怀孕的), will be found.
He is now being treated at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital for two injured legs and an arm.
Joseph wonders if he’ll ever play the violin again. He can feel sensation(知觉)in his fingertips. He said, “If you were to give me a violin and if I didn’t have to fold the fingers, I would be able to play.”
Joseph’s daughter Victoria spent three terrifying days unsure of her father’s fate. For her, having him home is the sweetest music.
“Can you imagine your dad not being able to play the violin?” Couric asked.
“No, I can’t,” Victoria Joseph said. “But I will love him all the same if he can’t.”
Romel doesn’t know how many of his 300 students died in the quake. As he waits for news about his wife, Romel Joseph is already planning a return to Haiti to rebuild the school and continue teaching there.
“We can save two children, 20, 200, 300, 500 through education and music, and these children will make a difference,” Romel Joseph said.
【小题1】Romel began to like music ________.
A.because he was blind since birth |
B.after he had listened to a famous piece of music |
C.when he got a scholarship to study in America |
D.since he was born in Haiti |
A.upset | B.fearful | C.excited | D.optimistic |
A.to see her father recover from the injury quickly |
B.to listen to her father playing the sweetest music |
C.to play the violin as well as her father |
D.to be sure that her father could play the violin |
A.To save his students from the earthquake. |
B.To change the life of children by teaching music. |
C.To find out how seriously his school was damaged. |
D.To look for his wife who is pregnant. |
A.Music education: keep your creativity alive |
B.A great blind musician and his students |
C.Haiti earthquake: a story of a music teacher |
D.How did some Haiti earthquake victims survive |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
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(雾气)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.
The outer fringe(边缘)of the lake disappeared as the boat moved forward noiselessly. All he could see was the enveloping whiteness. He could not tell where the boat and the surrounding air met the surface of the lake.
Dave rowed steadily ahead, relying on a mental picture of the surroundings. Then the mist began to rise, slowly. It soon rested inches above the still surface of the lake. The heavy silence was now being broken by the fish breaking through the surface as they leaped out of the water for low-flying insects.
The magic time had arrived. Dave raised his pole. Dawn was broken. He was excited with expectancy.
【小题1】Dave got up early in the morning to .
A.enjoy the scene of the lake | B.seek adventure at the lake |
C.go fishing in the lake | D.take a walk by the lake |
A.Dave broke the quietness of the lake. |
B.Dave was familiar with the surroundings. |
C.Dave took a picture of the lake with him. |
D.Dave forgot the fishing pole at the beginning. |
A.fish | B.boat | C.silence | D.mist |
A.Dave was hopeful of catching a lot of fish. |
B.Dave wished the weather would be better. |
C.Dave was happy that dawn was broken. |
D.Dave expected someone else would come. |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
Living in a foreign culture there are many times when I realize that my perspective (观点) on life is drastically different from those Koreans I interact (相互影响) 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 (说教). 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?
【小题1】Where does the author probably live now?
A. In the USA. B. In Britain. C. In China. D. In Korea.
【小题2】How did she feel when the author received the email from UBC?
A.Surprised. | B.Disappointed. | C.Excited. | D.Pleased. |
A.turn to God for help | B.say thanks to it |
C.see it in another way | D.praise others for it |
A.The author can’t really free from the disappointment. |
B.The author thinks the second sermon is wiser. |
C.The author still wants to be a doctor. |
D.The author thanks God for not being admitted by the university. |
查看答案和解析>>
科目:高中英语 来源: 题型:阅读理解
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.
In fact,kids who get along well with their teachers not only learn more,but they're more comfortable about asking questions and getting extra help.This makes it easier for them to understand new materials and do their best on tests.When you have this kind of relationship with a teacher,he or she can be someone to turn to with problems,such as problems with learning or school issues.
Here is a question:what if you don't get along well with your teachers? In fact,teachers want to get along well with you and enjoy seeing you learn.But teachers and students sometimes have personality clashes(个性冲突),which can happen between any two people.If you show your teacher that you want to make the situation better,he or she will probably do everything possible to make that happen.By dealing with a problem like this,you learn something about how to get along with people who are different from you.
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.
【小题1】The passage is written for________.
A.teachers | B.advisers | C.students | D.parents |
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 |
A.getting along very well with classmates |
B.the disappearance of personality differences |
C.a better relationship between you and your teacher |
D.the happy time you have in the classroom |
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 |
D.if you are thought of as a good student |
查看答案和解析>>
湖北省互联网违法和不良信息举报平台 | 网上有害信息举报专区 | 电信诈骗举报专区 | 涉历史虚无主义有害信息举报专区 | 涉企侵权举报专区
违法和不良信息举报电话:027-86699610 举报邮箱:58377363@163.com