15.For the Swiss,punctuality(守时) is a source of deep satisfaction.They obtain real joy from the fact that life unfolds on time and in a highly efficient manner.Whenever I visit Switzerland,I go through several stages of punctuality reaction.At first it delights me,especially if I'm coming from Neighbouring Italy or France with their rather more flexible approach to timekeeping.By contrast,life in Switzerland is enthusiastic and dependable.If someone says they will meet me at 2pm,they arrive at 2pm not 2:05 (or 1:55,for that matter).I like this,for a while.
Then it annoys me.The extreme punctuality strikes me as a kind of being mean,and I find myself agreeing with the English writer Evelyn Waugh who said that"punctuality is the virtue of the bored."
That is unfair though,and finally I come to appreciate Swiss punctuality for what it is:a deep expression of respect for other people.A punctual person is a considerate one.By showing up on time for everything,a Swiss person is saying,in effect,"I value your time and,by extension,I value you."
It's no coincidence that the Swiss are the world's watchmakers.Which came first,the precise clocks and watches or the precise people?Hard to say,but the result is the same:a nation where the trains and everything else really do run on time.
How to explain this punctuality?No one knows for sure.But a popular theory is that,historically,it arises from the tough,mountainous area.Either you planted your crops on time and harvested them at the correct time or,well,you starved.
Punctuality,sadly,is a dying art in many parts of the world.Mobile phones are partly to blame.We feel less compelled(紧迫的)to arrive on time if we can always text to say we're running a few minutes late.I don't sense that is happening in Switzerland,though.
Punctuality is not without its weaknesses.Extreme punctuality also creates an expectation,and if that expectation is not met,disappointment follows.On those rare occasions when things do not function smoothly,the Swiss get nervous,confused and angry.
24.What's NOT the author's attitude towards the Swiss punctuality?B
A.Pleasant.B.Exhausted.C.Annoyed.D.Appreciated.
25.What do the Swiss people want to show by arriving on time?A
A.To show their respect for other people.
B.To show that they have the best watches.
C.To show that they are considerate persons.
D.To show that they are the best watchmakers in the world.
26.The passage is probably taken from aC.
A.A history book
B.A business newspaper
C.A cultural guidebook
D.An economic magazine.
分析 本文讲述了在瑞士,人们很守时的文化特点,以及作者对此的评价.
解答 24.B.理解推断题.由第一段punctuality(守时) is a source of deep satisfaction、第二段Then it annoys me、第三段a deep expression of respect for other people可以分别看出我对瑞士守时的态度是满意、恼怒、敬佩的,B选项未提及,故选B.
25.A.细节理解题.由第三段and finally I come to appreciate Swiss punctuality for what it is:a deep expression of respect for other people,可知瑞士人的守时是为了表达对别人的尊重,故选A.
26.C.理解推断题.本文讲述了瑞士人守时的一种文化现象,因此应该是来自文化指南,故选C.
点评 本篇阅读较为简单.文章内容,所出题目以及选项也较短,因此考生只要阅读详略结合,细心理解,就能快速得出正确答案.