As I write this, I have half an eye on an old James Bond film that is showing on my computer. But this is a story about how I stopped watching TV and began reading again for pleasure, after ten years in which I hardly turned a page.

I suppose I was an enthusiastic reader of "literature" between the ages of nine and fourteen. I had enough time to be White Fang, Robinson Crusoe, and Bilbo Baggins and Jeeves. Of course there was room in the schoolboy's imagination for some real historical figures: Scott of the Antarctic, all of the Vikings, and Benjamin Franklin were good friends of mine.

Then, in adolescence, I began a long search for strange and radical (激进的) ideas. I wanted to challenge my elders and betters, and shock my fellow students with amazing points of view. Of course, the only place to look was in books. I hunted out the longest titles and the authors with the funniest names; I searched the library for completely unread books. Then I found one which became my bible for the whole of 1982, it had a title composed of eleven long words and an author whose name I didn't know how to pronounce. It was really thick and looked dead serious. Even better, it put forward a whole world-view that would take days to explain. Perfect. I took it out of the library three times, proud to see the date-stamps lined up on the empty library insert.

Later, I went to university. Expecting to spend long evenings in learned discussion with clever people, I started reading philosophy. For some reason I never found the deep-thinking intellectuals I hoped to meet. Anyway, I was ready to impress with my profound (深奥的) knowledge of post-structuralism, existentialism and situationism. These things are usually explained in rather short books, but they take a long time to get through. They were the end of my youthful reading.

Working life was hard to get used to after so much theory. It was the end of books for me. There didn't seem to be much in books that would actually get things done. To do things you had to answer the telephone and work a computer. You had to travel about and speak to people who weren't at all interested in philosophy. I didn't stop reading, you can't avoid that. I read all day. But no books came my way, only manuals (操作手册) and contracts and documents. Maybe most people satisfy their need for stories and ideas with TV and, to tell the truth, it was all I needed for ten years. In those days I only had a book "on the go" for the duration of aeroplane flights. At first I would come home and watch TV over dinner. Then, I moved the TV so I could watch it from bed. I even got a switch so I could turn it off without getting out of bed. Then, one fateful day, my TV broke and my landlady took it away.

My new TV is an extra circuit board (电路板) inside my computer. It's on a desk in front of a working chair and I can't see it from the bed. I still use it for the weather forecasts and it's nice to have it on while I'm typing this… but what to do last thing at night? Well, have another go with books.

Now, I just like books. I have a pile of nice ones by my bed and I'm reading about six at the same time. I don't want to be any of the characters. I don't care if a thousand people have already read them. I don't have to search through libraries. There are books everywhere and all of them have something to read in them. I have the strange feeling that they've been there all along, waiting for me to pick them up.

1.The writer enjoyed reading “literature” between the ages of nine and fourteen because ________.

A．he thought it was important for a schoolboy to do so

B．he was still too young to understand other books

C．he believed all the real historical figures were his friends

D．he could imagine himself being the characters in the books

2.“Existentialism” (in paragraph 4) is probably ________.

A．a library intended for teenagers            B．a kind of books on traditions

C．a philosophy theory                     D．a kind of reading skill

3.The main reason the writer stopped reading books was that ________.

A．he found watching TV was more interesting

B．he became too busy to read any books

C．he found books were of little use to his work

D．he had to read a lot of manuals, contracts and documents

4.Now the writer starts to read books again ________.

A．to find back his youth in books             B．for the pure pleasure of reading

C．so as to help kill his spare time             D．for only business purposes

5.Which of the following is the best title of the passage?

A．The Years with Books                     B．Books and TV Programs

C．Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover           D．Reading Makes One Excellent

 

 

10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking

By The Princeton Language Institute, Lenny Laskowski

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Warner Books

ISBN: 0446676683

This book is a course on giving public talks. It’s written by an expert in the field and has the tools to make you a relaxed, effective, and commanding public speaker. You can find clear, brief, step-by-step to help you: Overcome nervousness and discover your own natural style. Set up an immediate connection with your audience.

Practise new techniques daily in conversations with friends. Write a speech that builds to an unforgettable conclusion. Mix together humour and anecdotes into your talk. Use special techniques to memorize your speech.

In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

By Janet E. Esposito

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Strong Books

ISBN: 1928782078

In the Spotlight is a gift for people experiencing any degree of fear or discomfort in speaking or performing in front of others, either in formal settings. The book has many different methods to help you get beyond stage fright and learn to speak or perform with ease and confidence.

The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

By Richard Dowis

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: American Management Association

ISBN: 0814470548

Here’s expert guidance on how to write a forceful speech. Attractive slides, confident body language, and a lot of eye contacts are fine. Now everyone can learn to give a powerful, direct speeches that catch an audience’s attention. The key is not just in the delivery, but in using the power of language. It requires interesting ideas, presented in a clear and memorable way.

It’s speech-writing guide made by an award-winning writer. It has everything from researching and writing the speech to preparing the text to delivering the speech to handling questions from the audience.

Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

By William Bathe

Paperback: 1,055 pages

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

ISBN: 0393040054

This is a collection of more than 100 speeches that seeks to show the enduring power of human eloquence (雄辩) to inspire and uplift (振奋). These speeches are said to have moved millions and changed history. There is an introduction to each speech, and an essay on the art of public speaking.

This collection is edited by a former presidential speechwriter-William Satire. He knows firsthand, the importance of putting together the right words for the right movement.

These speeches prove that, even in the digital age, the most forceful medium of communication is still the human voice speaking directly to the mind, heart, and soul.

1.The purpose of the above books is to _______.

   A. give you encouragement in making a speech

   B. tell you how to make a forceful speech

   C. show you the skills of making a good speech

   D. tell you how to catch an audience’s attention while making a speech

2.If you want to improve your speaking skills by reading some great speeches by famous people, you will read ______.

   A. Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

   B. The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

   C. In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

   D. 10 Days to More Confident Public speaking

3.Which of the following people used to write speeches for presidents？

   A. Rechard Dowis.                 B. Janet E. Esposito. 

C. Lenny Laskowski.               D. William Satire.

 

10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking

By The Princeton Language Institute, Lenny Laskowski

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Warner Books

ISBN: 0446676683

This book is a course on giving public talks. It’s written by an expert in the field and has the tools to make you a relaxed, effective, and commanding public speaker. You can find clear, brief, step-by-step to help you: Overcome nervousness and discover your own natural style. Set up an immediate connection with your audience.

Practise new techniques daily in conversations with friends. Write a speech that builds to an unforgettable conclusion. Mix together humour and anecdotes into your talk. Use special techniques to memorize your speech.

In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

By Janet E. Esposito

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Strong Books

ISBN: 1928782078

In the Spotlight is a gift for people experiencing any degree of fear or discomfort in speaking or performing in front of others, either in formal settings. The book has many different methods to help you get beyond stage fright and learn to speak or perform with ease and confidence.

The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

By Richard Dowis

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: American Management Association

ISBN: 0814470548

Here’s expert guidance on how to write a forceful speech. Attractive slides, confident body language, and a lot of eye contacts are fine. Now everyone can learn to give a powerful, direct speeches that catch an audience’s attention. The key is not just in the delivery, but in using the power of language. It requires interesting ideas, presented in a clear and memorable way.

It’s speech-writing guide made by an award-winning writer. It has everything from researching and writing the speech to preparing the text to delivering the speech to handling questions from the audience.

Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

By William Bathe

Paperback: 1,055 pages

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

ISBN: 0393040054

This is a collection of more than 100 speeches that seeks to show the enduring power of human eloquence (雄辩) to inspire and uplift (振奋). These speeches are said to have moved millions and changed history. There is an introduction to each speech, and an essay on the art of public speaking.

This collection is edited by a former presidential speechwriter-William Satire. He knows firsthand, the importance of putting together the right words for the right movement.

These speeches prove that, even in the digital age, the most forceful medium of communication is still the human voice speaking directly to the mind, heart, and soul.

49. The purpose of the above books is to _______.

   A. give you encouragement in making a speech

   B. tell you how to make a forceful speech

   C. show you the skills of making a good speech

   D. tell you how to catch an audience’s attention while making a speech

50. If you want to improve your speaking skills by reading some great speeches by famous people, you will read ______.

   A. Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

   B. The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

   C. In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

   D. 10 Days to More Confident Public speaking

51. Which of the following people used to write speeches for presidents？

   A. Rechard Dowis.                 B. Janet E. Esposito. 

C. Lenny Laskowski.               D. William Satire.

10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking

By The Princeton Language Institute, Lenny Laskowski

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Warner Books

ISBN: 0446676683

This book is a course on giving public talks. It’s written by an expert in the field and has the tools to make you a relaxed, effective, and commanding public speaker. You can find clear, brief, step-by-step to help you: Overcome nervousness and discover your own natural style. Set up an immediate connection with your audience.

Practise new techniques daily in conversations with friends. Write a speech that builds to an unforgettable conclusion. Mix together humour and anecdotes into your talk. Use special techniques to memorize your speech.

In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

By Janet E. Esposito

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Strong Books

ISBN: 1928782078

In the Spotlight is a gift for people experiencing any degree of fear or discomfort in speaking or performing in front of others, either in formal settings. The book has many different methods to help you get beyond stage fright and learn to speak or perform with ease and confidence.

The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

By Richard Dowis

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: American Management Association

ISBN: 0814470548

Here’s expert guidance on how to write a forceful speech. Attractive slides, confident body language, and a lot of eye contacts are fine. Now everyone can learn to give a powerful, direct speeches that catch an audience’s attention. The key is not just in the delivery, but in using the power of language. It requires interesting ideas, presented in a clear and memorable way.

It’s speech-writing guide made by an award-winning writer. It has everything from researching and writing the speech to preparing the text to delivering the speech to handling questions from the audience.

Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

By William Bathe

Paperback: 1,055 pages

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

ISBN: 0393040054

This is a collection of more than 100 speeches that seeks to show the enduring power of human eloquence (雄辩) to inspire and uplift (振奋). These speeches are said to have moved millions and changed history. There is an introduction to each speech, and an essay on the art of public speaking.

This collection is edited by a former presidential speechwriter-William Satire. He knows firsthand, the importance of putting together the right words for the right movement.

These speeches prove that, even in the digital age, the most forceful medium of communication is still the human voice speaking directly to the mind, heart, and soul.

49. The purpose of the above books is to _______.

   A. give you encouragement in making a speech

   B. tell you how to make a forceful speech

   C. show you the skills of making a good speech

   D. tell you how to catch an audience’s attention while making a speech

50. If you want to improve your speaking skills by reading some great speeches by famous people, you will read ______.

   A. Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

   B. The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

   C. In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

   D. 10 Days to More Confident Public speaking

51. Which of the following people used to write speeches for presidents？

   A. Rechard Dowis.                 B. Janet E. Esposito. 

C. Lenny Laskowski.               D. William Satire.

10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking

By The Princeton Language Institute, Lenny Laskowski

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Warner Books

ISBN: 0446676683

This book is a course on giving public talks. It’s written by an expert in the field and has the tools to make you a relaxed, effective, and commanding public speaker. You can find clear, brief, step-by-step to help you: Overcome nervousness and discover your own natural style. Set up an immediate connection with your audience.

Practise new techniques daily in conversations with friends. Write a speech that builds to an unforgettable conclusion. Mix together humour and anecdotes into your talk. Use special techniques to memorize your speech.

In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

By Janet E. Esposito

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Strong Books

ISBN: 1928782078

In the Spotlight is a gift for people experiencing any degree of fear or discomfort in speaking or performing in front of others, either in formal settings. The book has many different methods to help you get beyond stage fright and learn to speak or perform with ease and confidence.

The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

By Richard Dowis

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: American Management Association

ISBN: 0814470548

Here’s expert guidance on how to write a forceful speech. Attractive slides, confident body language, and a lot of eye contacts are fine. Now everyone can learn to give a powerful, direct speeches that catch an audience’s attention. The key is not just in the delivery, but in using the power of language. It requires interesting ideas, presented in a clear and memorable way.

It’s speech-writing guide made by an award-winning writer. It has everything from researching and writing the speech to preparing the text to delivering the speech to handling questions from the audience.

Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

By William Bathe

Paperback: 1,055 pages

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

ISBN: 0393040054

This is a collection of more than 100 speeches that seeks to show the enduring power of human eloquence (雄辩) to inspire and uplift (振奋). These speeches are said to have moved millions and changed history. There is an introduction to each speech, and an essay on the art of public speaking.

This collection is edited by a former presidential speechwriter-William Satire. He knows firsthand, the importance of putting together the right words for the right movement.

These speeches prove that, even in the digital age, the most forceful medium of communication is still the human voice speaking directly to the mind, heart, and soul.

49. The purpose of the above books is to _______.

   A. give you encouragement in making a speech

   B. tell you how to make a forceful speech

   C. show you the skills of making a good speech

   D. tell you how to catch an audience’s attention while making a speech

50. If you want to improve your speaking skills by reading some great speeches by famous people, you will read ______.

   A. Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

   B. The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One and How to Deliver It

   C. In the Spotlight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing

   D. 10 Days to More Confident Public speaking

51. Which of the following people used to write speeches for presidents？

   A. Rechard Dowis.                 B. Janet E. Esposito. 

   C. Lenny Laskowski.               D. William Satire.