There are few families in the United States that do not have either a radio or television set. Both of them have become a necessary part of our daily life, keeping us filled with the news of the day, teaching us in many fields of interest, and making us happy with singing, dancing and acting.

Marconl, the Italian inventor, who gave us the radio, probably didn’t know how much his great invention would have done for the world in the years to come. Radio had, perhaps done as much as any other communication tool. Things of the world can be reported to people everywhere a few seconds after they happen. Travelers in or out of–the–way places, ships at sea even astronauts round the earth are able to keep in touch with each other by radio.

Television is another important invention. It lets us see as well as hear the actor. Since its appearance, TV has done a great deal in the daily life of people everywhere. Many programs are now televised in color.

Perhaps the most modern invention is “Telstar”, a “star” moving round the earth. It makes it possible for the people all over the world to be closer than ever before. Now a family in Chicago can watch on TV a motor–car race in Italy, a table tennis competition in Beijing or a volleyball match in Japan as these events are actually happening!

1.The passage tells us that __________ in the U.S.A. have no radio or television set.

A. few families   B. all the families    C. many families   D. a few families

2.Who do you think the writer of the passage is?

A. An Italian.     B. A Japanese.       C. An American.    D. A Chinese.

3.Why does the passage say radio and TV have become a necessary part of our daily life?

A. Because they have touched nearly everything in our life.

B. Because men would not live happily without them.

C. Because they are the only ways to spread information.

D. Because no communication means no life.

4. What is a “Telstar” used to do according to the passage?

A. To receive and store information only.

B. To move around the earth just like the moon.

C. To give light onto the earth at night.

D. To help send out radio or TV information to the world.

5. When the writer introduces Marconl in the second paragraph, he means __________.

A. he was just an Italian inventor

B. his invention has done much for the world

C. he had reported much to people all over the world

D. he helped people travel a lot around the world

Do you know who is the most popular star on the Internet now? Yes, he is “Brother Coat”(大衣哥) Zhu Zhiwen!
A few months ago, Zhu Zhiwen was an unknown farmer. A video of his show has been watched by more than millions of people，now his videos are the most popular. Zhu Zhiwen attracts Chinese netizens'(网民的) hearts. And he is called “Brother Coat” by them.
In March 2011, he took part in a program called “I’m a Big Star”. He walked out onto the stage in a dark green coat. Then he began to sing the song of the TV drama Romance of Three Kingdoms. When the audiences heard rich and powerful voice，all of them stood up and cheered. After that, he became a well-known person.
The judges(评委) asked him if he had any professional training. Zhu said no. “When he started, I thought someone played the original tape(原声带) by mistake. But later on, I got it, ” said one of them, “we can’t judge a book by its cover.” At last, he won the first prize in the program of “I’m a Big Star”．
Zhu Zhiwen was born in a village of Shandong in 1969. He liked listening to the radio. When the music played, he sang it along. Every morning, he would get up early and practiced singing near a river. He keeps doing it for nearly 30 years.
“When I’m working in the fields, ”said Zhu Zhiwen, “I often sing for myself, some villagers even think me crazy，but I really love it. I’m not singing for money, I’m singing for ordinary people in China.”
Mrs. Sun, a 56-year-old engineer, one of his fans said, “I watched his videos without getting tired of it! It is so amazing, and every time I watch it, I am filled with excitement and his voice is perfect! I am crossing my fingers in hope that he has a bright future.”
【小题1】 Who gave Zhu Zhiwen the nickname of “Brother Coat”(大衣哥)?