Question

Famous centenarians (百岁老人) still active in arts, science are in no mood to retire. "Those who stand still, die." is one of Oliveira's favorite phrases. He knows from experience what it means, as the Portuguese film director has reached the age of 102 and is still active in his profession. Every year, Oliveira shoots a film and is currently working on his next project. "You have to work, work, work in order to forget that death is not far away," he said. When asked about his age, Oliveira said with some humility: "It's down to mother nature. It gave to me what it took from others."

Being both mentally and physically fit in old age is partly a matter of luck, but it also has something to do with character. Not every white-haired person is wise and social skills, openness and the ability to train the brain are essential for senior citizens.

Along with the architect Oscar Niemeyer (103), Nobel laureate Montalcini (101) and director Kurt Maetzig (100), Oliveira is one of those people of whom it would be very wrong to think as members of a listless elderly generation.

Another master in his profession is the architect Oscar Niemeyer. The 103-year-old Brazilian is best known for his futuristic-looking buildings in Brasilia, but he also speaks out on behalf of the poor. "The role of the architect is to struggle for a better world where we can develop a form of architecture that serves everyone and not just a privileged few," said Niemeyer recently. He spends almost every day working in his office in Copacabana, and even when he falls ill he keeps working on ideas: After a gallbladder (胆囊) operation he composed a samba tune (桑巴舞曲) in the clinic.

Another man who could sing a song about age is 107-year-old Heesters. The Dutch-born opera singer spent most of his life performing in Germany, where he still works. Recently Heesters said: "I want to be at least 108-years-old." He also plans to keep performing. "Should I just sit at home and wait until they come and pick me up?" Heesters has not given up trying to add to his tally of awards and is looking for a "good stage role".

Italian scientist Rita Levi-Montalcini, who is 101-year-old and is still active in medical science, has described the force that keeps driving her on: "Progress is created through imperfection." In 1986 she and her lab colleague were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for their work on nerve growth factor. She's convinced that humans grow on challenges.

With so many brilliant examples given, we can see clearly that age is no barrier to some high achievers.

1. From the first two paragraphs, we can see ______.

A. being active at 102 is achievable for everybody

B. Oliveira owes his long life to his mother’s help

C. social skills and wisdom are difficult for the senior

D. being fit in old age is a matter of luck and character

2. How many centenarians are mentioned in this passage?

A. 4 B. 5 C. 6 D. 7

3. By saying "Should I just sit at home and wait until they come and pick me up?” in paragraph 5, Heesters shows us he ________.

A. wants to sit or lie in comfort

B. is waiting for people to pick him up

C. is willing to work till he dies

D. prefers to give performance at home

4. In the passage so many examples were given to show ________.

A. old age is a big problem if you want tosucceed

B. old age can not prevent a great person from achieving a lot

C. old people should never think of themselves as old

D. as a senior citizen, you have to be open-minded and optimistic

5. In the writer’s opinion, the architect Oscar Niemeyer is not ________.

A. pessimistic B. intelligent

C. positive D. diligent

Answer 1

1.D

2.B

3.C

4.B

5.A

【解析】

试题分析：本文介绍了几个百岁老人怎样热情的工作生活，以及取得的成就，说明年龄并不是取得成就的阻碍。

1. both mentally and physically fit in old age is partly a matter of luck, but it also has something to do with character，运气和个人性格是你在年老时是否能融入生活，有所成就的关键，选D

2.共有Oliveira ,Niemeyer ,Montalcini ,Maetzig Heesters 5位百岁老人被提及，选B

3.文He also plans to keep performing. 说明这位老人虽然年纪大了但仍然坚持表演，这句话是他用幽默的口吻说自己年纪大了，要在家等着他们来接自己去表演。所以选C，他直到死的那一刻才会终止自己的表演。

4.主旨大意题。最后一段With so many brilliant examples given, we can see clearly that age is no barrier to some high achievers. 文章选取了多个范例是为了向我们表明，年纪并不能阻碍一个人取得成就。

5.;A 悲观的，B 聪明的;C 积极的;D 勤奋的，勤勉的；通过上下文我们可以看出作者是赞同支持老年人保持积极的心态，在各自的领域取得成就的，所以选A

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