A
Research shows that young English language learners can do better in reading comprehension when exposed to culturally relevant books. Here are four great examples:
The Name Jar
Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids won’t like her. Her new classmates decide to help her choose a new name by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But they then discover her real name and its special meaning. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei finally chooses her own Korean name.
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!
Gabe doesn’t speak any English. His classmates learn how to communicate with him through sports, food, and play. Chocolate milk ( Gabe’s favorite drink ) is a symbol in this heartwarming story about the importance of making friends and the power of kindness when they are working to overcome the language barrier (障碍).
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match
“My name is Marisol McDonald, and I don’t match.” No one would dare stop Marisol from being her own unique self. She redefines what it means to be a Peruvian-Scottish-American. Well-known author Monica Brown wrote this lively story to bring her own experience of being mismatched to life.
Jalapeno Bagels
Pablo has a difficult time deciding what food to take to school for International Day because his parents are of different races and cultures and there are many choices. This warm story comes complete with recipes for all the items that Pablo helps his parents make.
1. Who is certain about his/her identity?
A. Unhei. B. Gabe.
C. Pablo. D. Marisol.
2. Which book focuses more on the mixed families?
A. The Name Jar. B. Jalapeno Bagels.
C. Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! D. Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match.
3. What can we infer about the books mentioned in the text?
A. They provide familiar cultural backgrounds.
B. They’re full of approaches to learning English.
C. The characters are faced with cultural conflict.
D. They aim at encouraging children to learn English.
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. C
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇应用文。给英语学习者介绍了四本书，其主人公都面临着文化矛盾冲突。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。第四段第三句“She redefines what it means to be a Peruvian-Scottish-American.”指出Marisol重新定义了成为秘鲁人裔苏格兰裔美国人的意义。由此可知，她对自己的身份认知清晰。故选D。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。第五段第二句“Pablo has a difficult time deciding what food to take to school for International Day because his parents are of different races and cultures and there are many choices. ”可知Pablo因为父母来自不同的种族和文化，过几日很难决定带什么事物去学校。由此可知，这本书更多关注混合家庭。故选B。
【3题详解】
推理判断题。根据第二段第一句“Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids won’t like her.”可知第一本书的主人公是韩国人在美国；第三段第一句“Gabe doesn’t speak any English.”可知第二本书的主人公不会说英语，肯定也来自于别的国家；第四段第二句“She redefines what it means to be a Peruvian-Scottish-American.”可知，第三本书的主人公是秘鲁裔苏格兰裔美国人；第五段第一句“... his parents are of different races and cultures”可知第四本书主人公的父母来自不同种族和文化。由此推知，他们的共同之处在于他们都面临着文化冲突。故选C。
