A
When I was a child, I often dreamed of the time when I could leave home and escape to the city. We lived on a farm and, in the winter especially, we were quite cut off from the outside world. As soon as I left school, I packed my bags and moved to the capital. However, I soon discovered that city life has its problems too.
One big disadvantage is money—it costs so much to go out, not to mention basics like food and housing. Another disadvantage is pollution. I suffer from asthma(哮喘), and at times the air is so bad that I am afraid to go outside. Then there is the problem of traveling around. Although I have a car, I seldom use it because of the traffic jams. One choice is to go by bicycle, but that can be quite dangerous.
Of course there are advantages. First, there is so much to do in the city. Besides, there are wonderful jobs and greater chances of moving to a more important job or position. Finally, if you like shopping, the variety of goods is very surprising—and, what is more, shops are often only a short walk away.
Is life better then, in the city? Perhaps it is, when you are in your teens or twenties. However, as you get older, and especially if you have small children, the peace of the countryside may seem preferable(更好的). I certainly hope to move back there soon.
【语篇概述】本文作者通过自己的亲身经历, 分析比较了乡下生活与城市生活的优点和缺点。
1. What was the writer always thinking about when he was a child?
A. Staying on the farm.
B. Moving to the countryside.
C. Leaving home for the city.
D. Running away from the school.
【解析】选C。细节理解题。由第一段第一句“When I was a child, I often dreamed of. . . to the city. ”可知作者小时候的梦想是离开家去大城市。
2. Which of the following is TRUE about the writer?
A. He is very old now.
B. He is in good health.
C. He prefers driving a car.
D. He lives in the city now.
【解析】选D。推理判断题。由文中的内容和最后一段最后两句“However, as you get older, . . . may seem preferable. I certainly hope to move back there soon. ”可知作者现在住在城市里, 他想搬回乡村。
3. In the passage, the writer tries to .
A. express his opinions about the way of life
B. describe his life in the countryside
C. show an interest in the outside world
D. persuade the readers to live in the city
【解析】选A。推理判断题。通读全文可知, 作者写这篇文章的目的是表达自己对生活方式的看法。
4. How is the passage mainly developed?
A. By inferring.
B. By comparing.
C. By listing examples.
D. By giving explanations.
【解析】选B。推理判断题。由第二段第一句“One big disadvantage is money”和第三段第一句“Of course there are advantages. ”可知, 该文章主要通过对比城市生活和乡下生活的优点与缺点的方式展开。
