Most Americans would have a difficult time telling you, specifically, what are the values which Americans live by. They have never given the matter any thought.
Over the years I have introduced thousands of international visitors to life in the United States. This has caused me to try to look at Americans through the eyes of foreign visitors. I am confident that the values listed in this booklet describe most ( but not all) Americans, and that understanding these values can help you, the international visitor, understand Americans.
It is my belief that if foreign visitors really understand how deeply these 13 values are ingrained in Americans, they will then be able to understand 95% of American actions-actions which might otherwise appear "strange", "confusing", or "unbelievable" when evaluated from the perspective of the foreigner's own society and its values.
The different behaviors of a people or a culture make sense only when seen through the basic beliefs, assumptions and values of that particular group. When you encounter ( meet) an action, or hear a statement in the United States which surprises you, try to see it as an expression of one or more of the values listed in this booklet.
1.An ordinary American can't tell you his/her value system because _____.
A. this is something an American lives by
B. everyone will have his/her own value system
C. he/she has never thought about it
D. values are something often in their thought
2.The author lists 13 values in his booklet to _____.
A. invite foreigners to visit America
B. look at Americans through the eyes of foreign visitors
C. describe the confusing actions of most Americans
D. help international visitors understand Americans
3.The underlined word "ingrained" in Line 2, Paragraph 3 most probably means _____.
A. rooted in the minds B. found in the grains
C. planted for food D. prepared with grain
4.Visitors sometimes find Americans behave in a strange, confusing or unbelievable way, probably because _____.
A. Americans are hard to understand
B. Americans have values which are entirely different from their own
C. they view Americans according to the values in their own society
D. it is difficult to understand any people when you first encounter them
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
Most Americans would have a difficult time telling you, specifically, what are the values which Americans live by. They have never given the matter any thought.
Over the years I have introduced thousands of international visitors to life in the United States. This has caused me to try to look at Americans through the eyes of foreign visitors. I am confident that the values listed in this booklet describe most ( but not all) Americans, and that understanding these values can help you, the international visitor, understand Americans.
It is my belief that if foreign visitors really understand how deeply these 13 values are ingrained in Americans, they will then be able to understand 95% of American actions-actions which might otherwise appear "strange", "confusing", or "unbelievable" when evaluated from the perspective of the foreigner's own society and its values.
The different behaviors of a people or a culture make sense only when seen through the basic beliefs, assumptions and values of that particular group. When you encounter ( meet) an action, or hear a statement in the United States which surprises you, try to see it as an expression of one or more of the values listed in this booklet.
1.An ordinary American can't tell you his/her value system because _____.
A. this is something an American lives by
B. everyone will have his/her own value system
C. he/she has never thought about it
D. values are something often in their thought
2.The author lists 13 values in his booklet to _____.
A. invite foreigners to visit America
B. look at Americans through the eyes of foreign visitors
C. describe the confusing actions of most Americans
D. help international visitors understand Americans
3.The underlined word "ingrained" in Line 2, Paragraph 3 most probably means _____.
A. rooted in the minds B. found in the grains
C. planted for food D. prepared with grain
4.Visitors sometimes find Americans behave in a strange, confusing or unbelievable way, probably because _____.
A. Americans are hard to understand
B. Americans have values which are entirely different from their own
C. they view Americans according to the values in their own society
D. it is difficult to understand any people when you first encounter them
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
If you have never ever heard of pawpaw，you are not alone. Most Americans do not know of the fruit，although it is native to the United States. Once，however，it was one of the most popular fruits in North America. Happily，those who love the pawpaw are trying to return it to its former position in American foods.
The pawpaw is a kind of fruit that grows on trees found all over the eastern United States. It is similar in size to a typical mango. It has a dull green-colored skin，and a soft，almost creamy orange inside. Most people agree that the pawpaw tastes like a combination of bananas，apricots （杏）and mangos. Most people are very surprised by its sweet taste. The fruit has a very short harvest season，from two to three weeks in September and October.
The pawpaw has never been sold commercially. The fruit requires a very special environment-low，wet areas that sometimes flood. In addition，the fruit is good to eat for only two to three days after harvesting. This makes it hard to sell anywhere distant from the pawpaw trees.
Planters are again growing pawpaw trees and harvesting the fruit. In several states farmers have organized “pawpaw festivals” to reintroduce the food to people.
Farmers are trying to grow different kinds of paw paws that will be easier to ship and sell commercially. Donna and Jim Davis are pawpaw farmers in Westminster，Maryland. They told National Public Radio that they purchased their pawpaw trees in the 1990s and now sell the fruit at farmer markets and online.
So, who knows? Maybe the pawpaw will show up soon at a market near you.
1.What is the pawpaw's most outstanding nature?
A. It grows on trees all over the US.
B. Its sour taste is like an apricot.
C. It looks like a combination of bananas and mangos.
D. It is very rich in sugar.
2.Why is it difficult for the pawpaw to become a big business?
A. It has to be sold far from the pawpaw tree.
B. It is difficult to harvest in the low and wet areas.
C. It is hard to keep its freshness for long.
D. It needs expensive transportation to the market.
3.What do farmers do to deal with the disadvantage of paw paws?
A. They advertise on National Public Radio.
B. They plant improved pawpaw trees.
C. They organize pawpaw festivals.
D. They sell the fruit at farmer markets.
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A. A forgotten American fruit is becoming popular again.
B. Fruit of pawpaw plays an important part in America.
C. Most people have hardly eaten fresh paw paws.
D. A traditional fruit has changed people's diet.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Would you like to be a king or queen? To have people waiting on you hand and foot? Many Americans experience this royal treatment every day. How? By being customers. The American idea of customer service is to make each customer the center of attention. Need proof? Just listen to the commercials. Most of them sound like the McDonald’s ad: “We do it all for you.” Actually, not all stores in America roll out the red carpet for their customers. But wherever you go, good customer service means making customers feel special.
People going shopping in America can expect to be treated with respect from the very beginning. Most places don’t have a “furniture street” or a “computer road” which allow you to compare prices easily. Instead, people often “let their fingers do the walking” through the store hot lines. From the first “hello”, customers receive a satisfying response to their questions. This initial contact can help them decide where to shop.
When customers get to the store, they are treated as honored guests. Customers don’t usually find store clerks sitting around watching TV or playing cards. Instead, the clerks greet them warmly and offer to help them find what they want. In most stores, the clear signs that label each department make shopping a breeze. Customers usually don’t have to ask how much items cost, since prices are clearly marked. And unless they’re at a flea market or a yard sale, they don’t bother trying to bargain.
When customers are ready to check out, they find the nearest and shortest checkout lane. But as Murphy’s Law would have it, whichever lane they get in, all the other lanes will move faster. Good stores open new checkout lanes when the lanes get too long. Some even offer express lanes for customers with 10 items or less. After they pay for their purchases, customers receive a smile and a warm “thank you” from the clerk. Many stores even allow customers to take their shopping carts out to the parking lot. That way, they don’t have to carry heavy bags out to the car.
1. By quoting (引用) the McDonald’s ad: “We do it all for you”, the author intends to_______.
A. suggest that customers believe what commercials say deeply
B. show readers the American idea on good customer service
C. express all the stores pay much attention to the customers
D. persuade readers to choose the stores with ads correctly
2. In the USA, what may you do at first if you want to do some shopping?
A. To visit a professional street with lots of similar stores.
B. To compare prices in many shops in the same street.
C. To make phone calls and get better shopping choices.
D. To receive other customers’ answers to the questions.
3. The Underlined words “a breeze” in Para.3 most probably means _________.
A. an easy job B. a trouble C. a funny thing D. a boring task
4. Which of the followings shows American stores offer convenience to customers in this passage?
A. The store clerks don’t usually sit around watching TV or playing cards.
B. Some stores offer price bargain to the customers like a yard sale.
C. The clerks give customers a smile and a warm “thank you” after paying.
D. Some stores open new checkout lanes when the lanes are crowded.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Would you like to be a king or queen? To have people waiting on you hand and foot? Many Americans experience this royal treatment every day. How? By being customers. The American idea of customer service is to make each customer the center of attention. Need proof? Just listen to the commercials. Most of them sound like the McDonald’s ad: “We do it all for you.” Actually, not all stores in America roll out the red carpet for their customers. But wherever you go, good customer service means making customers feel special.
People going shopping in America can expect to be treated with respect from the very beginning. Most places don’t have a “furniture street” or a “computer road” which allow you to compare prices easily. Instead, people often “let their fingers do the walking” through the store hot lines. From the first “hello”, customers receive a satisfying response to their questions. This initial contact can help them decide where to shop.
When customers get to the store, they are treated as honored guests. Customers don’t usually find store clerks sitting around watching TV or playing cards. Instead, the clerks greet them warmly and offer to help them find what they want. In most stores, the clear signs that label each department make shopping a breeze. Customers usually don’t have to ask how much items cost, since prices are clearly marked. And unless they’re at a flea market or a yard sale, they don’t bother trying to bargain.
When customers are ready to check out, they find the nearest and shortest checkout lane. But as Murphy’s Law would have it, whichever lane they get in, all the other lanes will move faster. Good stores open new checkout lanes when the lanes get too long. Some even offer express lanes for customers with 10 items or less. After they pay for their purchases, customers receive a smile and a warm “thank you” from the clerk. Many stores even allow customers to take their shopping carts out to the parking lot. That way, they don’t have to carry heavy bags out to the car.
1. By quoting (引用) the McDonald’s ad: “We do it all for you”, the author intends to_______.
A. suggest that customers believe what commercials say deeply
B. show readers the American idea on good customer service
C. express all the stores pay much attention to the customers
D. persuade readers to choose the stores with ads correctly
2.In the USA, what may you do at first if you want to do some shopping?
A. To visit a professional street with lots of similar stores.
B. To compare prices in many shops in the same street.
C. To make phone calls and get better shopping choices.
D. To receive other customers’ answers to the questions.
3.The underlined words “a breeze” in Para.3 most probably means _________.
A. an easy job B. a trouble C. a funny thing D. a boring task
4.Which of the followings shows American stores offer convenience to customers in this passage?
A. The store clerks don’t usually sit around watching TV or playing cards.
B. Some stores offer price bargain to the customers like a yard sale.
C. The clerks give customers a smile and a warm “thank you” after paying.
D. Some stores open new checkout lanes when the lanes are crowded.
5.Which of the following can be the best title of this passage?
A. Customer Service in America B. Excellent Stores in America
C. Shopping Rules in America D. Being King or Queen in America
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
In today's world of smart phones and laptops, most people have at least one time-telling thing with them. Since these digital products are so common, is time running out for the 500-year-old watch? According to some consumers, the answer is yes. New Jersey teenager Charlie Wollman says a watch is “an extra piece of equipment with no necessary function.” Many young adults think so and use their smart phones to tell time. It is said that fewer young people wear watches today than ten years ago. As a result, some people say that the watch industry is at a crossroads.
However, watchmakers optimistically say that watches redeem（挽回） popularity when consumers reach their 20s and 30s. By then, they are willing to spend money on a quality watch that doesn’t just keep good time. Fifty years ago, watchmakers took pride in their products’ accuracy. But in recent years, the watch industry has changed itself into an accessory(配饰) business. And today, the image a watch conveys has become more important than the time it tells.
“Complications” — features that go beyond simple timekeeping — are an important part of a watch’s image. Today’s watches offer lots of features that meet almost any personality. These features include compasses, USB drivers, and even other functions that measure the effectiveness of golf swings!
Creativity also plays a key role in designing today’s watches. For example, Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash makes watches that don’t even look like watches. The company’s popular Shinshoku model uses different color lights to tell time. It looks more like a fashionable bracelet（手镯） than a watch.
Whether a watch conveys fashion sense, creative talent or a love of sports, consumers want their watches to stand out. Nowadays, everyone has the same kind of little things in their bags, so people want to make a statement with what’s on their wrists. Will this interest in wrist fashion last? Only time will tell!
1.What can we know from the first paragraph?
A. As most people see, watches are out of fashion.
B. Some people feel that watches have been of no use.
C. The watch industry will close down sooner or later.
D. There are so many choices of watches for teenagers today.
2.According to the passage, what image does a watch convey nowadays?
A. It simply tells time.
B. It appeals to many teenagers.
C. It has many complex functions.
D. It has an impact on creativity and imagination.
3.Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash is mentioned in Paragraph 4 to _________.
A. show why Shinshoku watches are popular
B. advertise Shinshoku watches made by Tokyoflash
C. make a comparison between watches and bracelets
D. tell that today’s watches need more imagination
4.What may be the best title for the passage?
A. Watches Tell More Than Time
B. Japanese Watches Stand Out
C. Watch Industry Is in a Bad Situation
D. Watches Are Becoming Less Popular
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
In today's world of smart phones and laptops, most people have at least one time-telling thing with them. Since these digital products are so common, is time running out for the 500-year-old watch? According to some consumers, the answer is yes. New Jersey teenager Charlie Wollman says a watch is “an extra piece of equipment with no necessary function.” Many young adults think so and use their smart phones to tell time. It is said that fewer young people wear watches today than ten years ago. As a result, some people say that the watch industry is at a crossroads.
However, watchmakers optimistically say that watches redeem popularity when consumers reach their 20s and 30s. By then, they are willing to spend money on a quality watch that doesn’t just keep good time. Fifty years ago, watchmakers took pride in their products’ accuracy. But in recent years, the watch industry has changed itself into an accessory(配饰) business. And today, the image a watch conveys has become more important than the time it tells.
“Complications” — features that go beyond simple timekeeping — are an important part of a watch’s image. Today’s watches offer lots of features that meet almost any personality. These features include compasses, USB drivers, and even other functions that measure the effectiveness of golf swings!
Creativity also plays a key role in designing today’s watches. For example, Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash makes watches that don’t even look like watches. The company’s popular Shinshoku model uses different color lights to tell time. It looks more like a fashionable bracelet than a watch.
Whether a watch conveys fashion sense, creative talent or a love of sports, consumers want their watches to stand out. Nowadays, everyone has the same kind of gadget（小玩意） in their bags, so people want to make a statement with what’s on their wrists. Will this interest in wrist fashion last? Only time will tell!
1.What can we know from the first paragraph?
A. As most people see, watches are out of fashion.
B. Some people feel that watches have been of no use.
C. The watch industry will close down sooner or later.
D. There are so many choices of watches for teenagers today.
2.According to the passage, what image does a watch convey nowadays?
A. It simply tells time.
B. It appeals to many teenagers.
C. It has many complex functions.
D. It has an impact on creativity and imagination.
3.Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash is mentioned in Paragraph 4 to ________.
A. show why Shinshoku watches are popular
B. advertise Shinshoku watches made by Tokyoflash
C. tell that today’s watches need more imagination
D. make a comparison between watches and bracelets
4.What may be the best title for the passage?
A. Watches Tell More Than Time
B. Japanese Watches Stand Out
C. Watch Industry Is in a Bad Situation
D. Watches Are Becoming Less Popular
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Listen carefully; we would like to tell you something that could save your precious time and money! Best of all, it is free! It’s “no”. What do you ask? We’ll say it again. “No”. Sweet and simple “no”.
Say “no” at your office and see how quickly that pile of work on your desk disappears. “Saying “no” to others means you are saying “yes” to yourself,” said Leslie Charles, a professional speaker from East Lansing, Michigan.
Susie Watson, a famous writer, said people who always say “yes” need to say “no” without guilt （内疚） or fear of punishment. “I would rather have someone give me a loving ‘no’ than an obligated （强制的）‘yes’”, she said.
Susie Watson says she feels “no” obligation to give an explanation when she says “no” either socially or professionally. Does she feel guilty about it? “Not at all,” said Watson, who is director of advertising and public relations at Timex Corp in Middle-bury. “Most people are afraid of saying “no”. My advice is to say “yes” only if you don’t mean ‘no’.”
Watson said “no” is the most effective weapon against wasting time. “Every year there are more demands on your time. Other people are happy to use up your time,” Watson said. Time saving appears to be “no’s” greatest friend. “No” can be your new friend, a powerful tool to take back your life. “No” may even take you further in the business world than “yes”. “No” is power and strength. “No” now seems completely correct. “Saying ‘no’ isn’t easy. But finally it’s greatly liberating,” Charles said. But, he added, a “no” project needs to be worked on every day because it is hard to change long-term habit.
But, he also warns: “Don’t go to extremes. Don’t find yourself saying “no” to everything. In return you should learn to hear “no”.”
1. The underlined part “saying ‘yes’ to yourself” in the second paragragh means ________.
A. you can have more time to play with others
B. you needn’t care about other’s feeling if you are happy
C. you are selfish and treat others rudely
D. you can deal with your business as you have planned
2. When you say “no” to others you should say it in a ________.
A. secret way B. polite way C. proud way D. guilty way
3 In Watson’s opinion, people can save much time on condition that ________.
A. they say “no” at a suitable time B. they say “no” as much as possible
C. they are afraid of saying “no” D. they make others angry at them
4. If a person says “no” to everything, the result he or she receives may be that he or she ________.
A. enjoys a wonderful life B. makes a lot of money
C. faces difficulty in life D. forgets to say “yes” in the end
高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
Listen carefully; we would like to tell you something that could save your precious time and money! Best of all, it is free! It’s “no”. What do you ask? We’ll say it again. “No”. Sweet and simple “no”.
Say “no” at your office and see how quickly that pile of work on your desk disappears. “Saying “no” to others means you are saying “yes” to yourself,” said Leslie Charles, a professional speaker from East Lansing, Michigan.
Susie Watson, a famous writer, said people who always say “yes” need to say “no” without guilt （内疚） or fear of punishment. “I would rather have someone give me a loving ‘no’ than an obligated （强制的）‘yes’”, she said.
Susie Watson says she feels “no” obligation to give an explanation when she says “no” either socially or professionally. Does she feel guilty about it? “Not at all,” said Watson, who is director of advertising and public relations at Timex Corp in Middle-bury. “Most people are afraid of saying “no”. My advice is to say “yes” only if you don’t mean ‘no’.”
Watson said “no” is the most effective weapon against wasting time. “Every year there are more demands on your time. Other people are happy to use up your time,” Watson said. Time saving appears to be “no’s” greatest friend. “No” can be your new friend, a powerful tool to take back your life. “No” may even take you further in the business world than “yes”. “No” is power and strength. “No” now seems completely correct. “Saying ‘no’ isn’t easy. But finally it’s greatly liberating,” Charles said. But, he added, a “no” project needs to be worked on every day because it is hard to change long-term habit.
But, he also warns: “Don’t go to extremes. Don’t find yourself saying “no” to everything. In return you should learn to hear “no”.”
53. The underlined part “saying ‘yes’ to yourself” in the second paragraph means ______.
A. you can have more time to play with others
B. you needn’t care about other’s feeling if you are happy
C. you are selfish and treat others rudely
D. you can deal with your business as you have planned
54. When you say “no” to others you should say it in a ______.
A. secret way B. polite way C. proud way D. guilty way
55 In Watson’s opinion, people can save much time on condition that ______.
A. they say “no” at a suitable time B. they say “no” as much as possible
C. they are afraid of saying “no” D. they make others angry at them
56. If a person says “no” to everything, the result he or she receives may be that he or she _____.
A. enjoys a wonderful life B. makes a lot of money
C. faces difficulty in life D. forgets to say “yes” in the end
高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
Make the Most of What You Have Got
For Nick Vujicic, life was going to be difficult from the day he was born．When Nick arrived into this world, he everyone．He was not like the other babies and it was obvious to his parents and to the doctors in the hospital．
There was no or answers for his condition．Nick was born without any limbs—that is he was born without any arms or legs．But despite being physically , he was mentally and the rest of his body was functioning fine．
he had loving parents, Nick would find school hard as he would often be looked down upon by the other children and at the young age of 10, he considered his life by drowning himself in a bathtub．These dark thoughts were by his negative attitude to being disabled and at the time, he thought that he would never be able to do by himself, that he would never have a job and that he would always have to on his parents for help．
Nick was wrong．
As an adult, Nick is a successful public speaker and is famous for his motivational which focus on life with a disability, hope and finding meaning in life worldwide．He so many people with the story of his life, how he has so many difficulties and most importantly how he is happy every day．
Despite having no arms or legs, Nick lives , even finding ways to do almost things like brushing his teeth on his own and swimming．He has to work harder than a full bodied person and he achieves his goals．
At the first impression, you may look at Nick and feel ．You may feel sad that this man has no arms or legs and you might feel his and upset that he could find everyday situations difficult．But we should Nick, as he is extremely positive and he gets on with life．He every day and makes the best of what he has: a positive attitude, a creative mind and a powerful ．He also has a very kind and very beautiful wife and they are truly happy and in love．
1.A． shocked B． pleased C． nspired D． accepted
2.A． nervously B． painfully C． hopefully D． cautiously
3.A． surprise B． worry C． explanation D． apology
4.A． active B． sick C． disabled D． abused
5.A． disturbed B． challenged C． calm D． normal
6.A． Since B． If C． Although D． Unless
7.A． changing B． ending C． risking D． sharing
8.A． expressed B． collected C． given D． driven
9.A． something B ．nothing C． everything D． anything
10.A． call B． rely C． cheat D． look
11.A． lessons B． poems C． speeches D． posters
12.A． convinces B ．touches C． puzzles D． judges
13.A． faced B． created C ．met D． overcome
14.A． independently B． comfortably C． hopelessly D． lonely
15.A． impossible B． dangerous C． crazy D． regretful
16.A． pain B． guilt C． panic D． pity
17.A． annoyance B． selfishness C． courage D． confidence
18.A． encourage B． admire C． comfort D． correct
19.A． cries B． shouts C． smiles D． struggles
20.A． voice B． body C． family D． position
高三英语完形填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
—Why do you look so puzzled?
—Oh，I ________ over a most difficult maths problem.
A．thought B．have thought
C．am thinking D．think
高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析