英语阅读理解(社会文化)练习题及答案含解析

一、高中英语阅读理解社会文化类 1．阅读理解

I travel a lot, and I find out different \"styles\"(风格)of directions every time I ask \" How can I get to the post office?\"

Foreign tourists are often confused(困惑的)in Japan because most streets there don't have names. In Japan, people use landmarks(地标)in their directions instead of street names. For example, the Japanese will say to travelers, \" Go straight down to the corner. Turn left at the big hotel and go past a fruit market. The post office is across from the bus stop.\"

In the countryside of the American Midwest, there are not usually many landmarks. There are no mountains, so the land is very flat. In many places there are no towns or buildings within miles. Instead of landmarks, people will tell you directions and distances. In Kansas or Iowa, for example, people will say, \" Go north two miles. Turn east, and then go another mile.

People in Los Angeles, California, have no idea of distance on the map. They measure distance in time, not miles. \" How far away is the post office?\" you ask. \" Oh,\" they answer, \" it's about five minutes from here.\" You say, \" Yes, but how many miles is it?\" They don't know.

It's true that a person doesn't know the answer to your question sometimes. What happens in such a situation? A New Yorker might say, \" Sorry, I have no idea.\" But in Yucatan, Mexico, no one answers \" I don't know\". People in Yucatan believe that \"I don't know\" is impolite. They usually give an answer, often a wrong one. A tourist can get very, very lost in Yucatan!

（1）When a tourist asks the Japanese the way to a certain place, they usually _______. A.describe the place carefully B.show him a map of the place C.tell him the names of the streets D.refer to recognizable buildings and places

（2）What is the place where people measure distance in time? A.New York. B.Los Angles. C.Kansas D.Lowa.

（3）People inYucatan may give a tourist a wrong answer ________. A.in order to save time B.as a test C.so as to be polite D.for fun

（4）What can we infer from the text?

A.It's important for travelers to understand cultural differences. B.It's useful for travelers to know how to ask the way properly. C.People have similar understanding of politeness. D.New Yorkers are generally friendly to visitors.

【答案】 （1）D （2）B （3）C （4）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，作者围绕不同国家回答问路的风格，介绍了不同国度的不同文化。

（1）考查细节理解。根据第二段中的“Foreign tourists are often confused（困惑的）in Japan because most streets there don't have names. In Japan, people use landmarks（地标）in their directions instead of street names.”可知在日本通常是用地标指路。故选D。

（2）考查细节理解。根据倒数第二段中的“People in Los Angeles, California, have no idea of distance on the map; they measure distance in time, not miles.”可知，在洛杉矶用走一段路用多少时间来指路。故选B。

（3）考查推理判断。根据最后一段中的“But in Yucatan, Mexico, no one answers‘I don't know.’People in Yucatan believe that ‘I don't know’ is impolite.”可推断，因尤卡坦人可能会给游客一个错误的答案的目的是为了礼貌。故选C。

（4）考查推理判断。根据第一段中的“I find out different ‘styles’ of directions every time I ask ‘How can I get to the post office?’\" 以及下文举例说明可知，作者围绕回答问路的风格，介绍了不同国度的不同文化。因此推断作者说明了对旅行者来说了解不同地方的文化差异很重要。故选A。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解和推理判断两个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，考生需要准确掌握细节信息，并根据上下文进行逻辑推理，从而选出正确答案。

2．阅读理解

In India, most of the women wear a red dot between their eyebrows. While it is generally taken as an indicator of their marital(婚姻的)status, the practice is primarily related to the Hindu(印度教的)religion. The dot goes by different names in different Hindi dialects, and “bindi\" is the one that is most commonly known. Traditionally, the dot carries no gender restriction Men as well as women wear it. However, the tradition of men wearing it has faded in recent times, so nowadays we see a lot more women than men wearing one.

The position of the bindi is standard center of the forehead, close to the eyebrows. It represents a third, or inner eye. Hindu tradition holds that all people have three eyes The two outer ones are used for seeing the outside world, and the third one is there to focus inward toward God. As such, the dot means piety(虔诚)and serves as a constant reminder to keep God in the front of a believer's thou ghts.

Red is the traditional color of the dot. It is said that in ancient times a man would place a drop of blood between his wife's eyes to seal their marriage. According to Hindu beliefs, the color red is believed to bring good fortune to the married couple. Today, people go with different colors

depending upon their preferences. Women often wear dots that match the color of their clothes. Decorative of sticker bindis come in all sizes, colors and variations, and can be worn by young and old, married and unmarried people alike. Wearing a bindi has become more of a fashion statement than a religious custom.

（1）Why did people in India start wearing a red dot on their forehead? A.To stress their family background. B.To indicate their social rank. C.To show their religious belief. D.To display their financial status.

（2）What is the function of the third eye in Hindu tradition? A.To help the other eyes see better. B.To look to the distance. C.To see the outside world. D.To pay respect to God.

（3）Why was red chosen as the original color of the bindi? A.The word \"bindi\" means \"red\" in some Hindi dialects. B.Red was believed to be a lucky color for husband and wife. C.The red dot represented the blood of God. D.Red stood for a wife's love for her husband.

（4）Which of the following statements is true about bindis today? A.Bindis are now used to make people look better. B.Bindis are worn anywhere on the face now. C.Most Indian women do not wear bindis anymore. D.More men than women wear bindis in India. 【答案】 （1）C （2）D （3）B （4）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，大多数印度女人的眉毛中间都戴着红点，这种做法主要与印度教有关，它代表的是第三只眼，可以时时提醒信徒要尊敬上帝。现在眉心红点更多的是作为装饰品使用。

（1）考查推理判断。根据第一段中的“In India, most of the women wear a red dot between their eyebrows. While it is generally taken as an indicator of their marital（婚姻的）status, the practice is primarily related to the Hindu（印度教的）religion.”在印度，大多数女性的眉毛上都有一个红点。虽然这通常被认为是他们婚姻状况的一个指标，但这种做法主要与印度教有关。可知这种做法主要与印度教有关，所以印度人前额戴红点是展示他们的宗教信仰。故选C。

（2）考查细节理解。根据第二段可知，印度传统上认为人有第三只眼。以及“As such，the dot serves as a constant reminder to keep God inthe front of a believer's thoughts．”因此，点作为一个持续的提醒，以保持神在信徒的思想面前。所以第三眼在印度教传统中的重要性是

要尊重上帝。故选D。

（3）考查细节理解。根据第三段中的“According to Hindu beliefs，the color red is believed to bring good fortune to the married couple．”可知，根据印度教的信仰，红色被认为能为已婚的夫妇带来好运。故选B。

（4）考查细节理解。根据第三段中的“Decorative or sticker bindis come in all sizes，colorsand variations，and can be worn by young and old，married and unmarried people alike．Wearinga bindi has become more of a fashion statement than a religious custom.” 装饰物或贴纸贴纸有各种尺寸、颜色和变化，年轻人和老年人、已婚人士和未婚人士都可以佩戴。佩戴宾蒂帽与其说是一种宗教习俗，不如说是一种时尚宣言。可知，眉心红点现在更多的被用作装饰品。故选A．

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解和推理判断两个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，考生需要准确捕捉细节信息，并根据上下文进行逻辑推理，从而选出正确答案。

3．阅读理解

Some international languages are widely used formany purposes. Some minority languages will die out and some nations tend tokeep minority languages. I reckon that most common used internationallanguages ease our life quality and communication with different nationalities.On the other hand, we need to help improve minority languages.

There are many languages in the entire world buttwo or three minority languages die out each year. Some countries try to savedying languages. For instance, Australian Government created a project to savethe language and culture of Maori who are Australian aborigines. And there areother projects to keep minority languages such as American Indian language.

However, the worldwide job market usuallyrequires candidates who can speak English or other international languages.People who cannot speak lingua franca (共通语) could hardly be promotedat work. For example, some companies need an employee who can deal with foreigncompanies. So most people tend to learn at least one international languagethat helps them to find a better job.

Therefore, world needs one common lingua francathat should be spoken in any country. Consequently, one common language shouldbe a required subject in every school. So anyone speaking one common languagecan travel without worries to any point of the world and trade their products. Peoplewill not be forced to learn many languages.

In conclusion, we should help minority nationsto keep their languages for the cultural diversity. To ease the worldwidecommunication among nations, we should create a common language and providecourses of it. As a result, no one will face a language issue. （1）What does the underlined word “reckon” in Paragraph 1 mean?

A. Deny. B. Fear. C. Ignore. D. Think. （2）What can be inferred from Paragraph 2?

A. Not all minority languages are useful. B. Some minority languages have died out.

C. Maori is attractive to Australian tourists. D. American Indian language is well preserved. （3）Why do most people study more international languages?

A. It benefits their journey. B. They can earn more money. C. It does good to find a good job. D. They are eager to get promoted. （4）How can we stay away from language problems?

A. By learning a common language. B. By wiping out minority languages. C. By studying more languages at college. D. By communicating more with foreigners. 【答案】（1）D （2）B （3）C （4）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，一些国际语言被广泛用于许多目的，多数人学习更多的国际语言是为了找到一份好工作。作者建议通过学习一种共同的语言来解决语言问题。

（1）考查词义猜测。根据第一段中的“Some minority languages will die out and some nations tend to keep minority languages. ”一些少数民族语言消亡，一些国家倾向于保持少数民族语言。”I reckon that most common used international languages ease our life quality and communication with different nationalities.”我认为最常用的国际语言缓解我们的生活质量和与不同民族的沟通。由上下文联系推知划线词的意思是“想，认为”。故选D。

（2）考查推理判断。根据第二段中的“There are many languages in the entire world but two or three minority languages die out each year.”可知一些少数民族的语言已经灭绝。故选B。 （3）考查细节理解。根据第三段中的“So most people tend to learn at least one international language that helps them to find a better job.”多数人学习更多的国际语言是为了找到一份好工作。故选C。

（4）考查细节理解。根据最后一段中的“To ease the worldwide communication among nations, we should create a common language and provide courses of it. As a result, no one will face a language issue.”可知通过学习一种共同的语言来解决语言问题。故选A。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解，词义猜测和推理判断三个题型的考查，是一篇教育类阅读，要求考生在捕捉细节信息的基础上，进一步根据上下文的逻辑关系，进行分析，推理，从而选出正确答案。

4．阅读理解

Now in 2019, jazz music is an important part of Indianapolis' art culture. Jazz clubs around the city still host concerts with local jazz musicians like Rob Dixon and Joel Tucker. One of these clubs, the Chatterbox Jazz Club, still has live jazz seven nights a week.

But the real history of jazz in Indy is much less simple. Along with the Avenue's culture, jazz music was gone from the streets for many years.

Indiana Avenue was the heart of a neighborhood along the White River. It was a center for

black music and live street music. The wealthy avoided this area. So it became a place that poorer families, including many African-American and immigrant (移民) families, moved to.

Jazz prospered in the mix of American cultures around the Avenue in the 1930s and 1940s. But in the 1950s, things changed. After the war, there were projects to make the city beautiful and build a university nearby. Both of these seemed like good changes. However, the new university and buildings caused poorer families to have to leave the area. This destroyed the Indiana Avenue community - and with it, its jazz culture.

After many years, Indianapolis remembered the value of its arts and music culture. It began to bring back lost cultures such as live music on the Avenue. To do so, it began to make new changes. The changes included repairing historic areas like the Avenue. Once again, the high living costs in these historic arts areas pushed low-income families out.

Today there are several old-style jazz clubs where friends can meet up to remember the past or just enjoy a summer evening. It might seem at first that jazz is alive again, but there is a sad reality behind these jazz clubs: Modern Indy jazz is only a shadow (影子) of the lively culture that was once on Indiana Avenue.

（1）What does the author mainly want to say in Paragraph 1? A.Jazz clubs can make big money. B.Jazz musicians often hold concerts. C.Jazz music is popular in Indianapolis. D.Jazz culture is just part of Indianapolis' culture.

（2）What does the underlined word \"prospered\" in Paragraph 4 mean? A.Disappeared quickly. B.Arrived soon. C.Recovered soon. D.Developed well.

（3）What did Indianapolis do to bring back its lost culture? A.It rebuilt some old important areas. B.It invited old jazz musicians to sing in the city. C.It educated people about the value of music culture.

D.It settled low-income families in the Indiana Avenue community,

（4）According to the passage, which of the following about modern Indy jazz is true? A.Its home culture is gone. B.Its styles are too traditional. C.It shows the sadness of the poor. D.It is no longer a favorite of the young. 【答案】 （1）C （2）D （3）A （4）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，2019年爵士乐仍然是印第安纳波利斯艺术文化的重要组成部分，但是它的本土文化消失了。

（1）考查段落大意。根据第一段中的“Now in 2019, jazz music is an important part of Indianapolis' art culture.” 现在到了2019年，爵士乐是印第安纳波利斯艺术文化的重要组成部分。可知，第一段主要是介绍了爵士乐在印第安纳波利斯很受欢迎。故选C。

（2）考查词义猜测。根据第四段中中的“But in the 1950s, things changed…. However, the new university and buildings caused poorer families to have to leave the area. This destroyed the Indiana Avenue community - and with it, its jazz culture.” 但在20世纪50年代，情况发生了变化。……然而，新的 大学和建筑使得贫困家庭不得不离开这个地区。这摧毁了印第安纳大道社区，也随之摧毁了它的爵士乐文化。可知，转折词but之后描述了爵士乐的衰落，因此推测出划线词prospered意为“兴盛、蓬勃发展”。故选D。

（3）考查细节理解。根据倒数第二段中的“It began to bring back lost cultures such as live music on the Avenue. To do so, it began to make new changes. The changes included repairing historic areas like the Avenue.” 它开始带回失落的文化，比如大街上的现场音乐。为此，它开始做出新的改变。这些改变包括修复像The Avenue这样的历史街区。可知，它重建了一些旧的重要区域。故选A。

（4）考查细节理解。根据最后一段中的“It might seem at first that jazz is alive again, but there is a sad reality behind these jazz clubs: Modern Indy jazz is only a shadow (影子) of the lively culture that was once on Indiana Avenue. ”乍一看，爵士乐似乎又活了起来，但在这些爵士乐俱乐部背后却有一个可悲的现实:现代印地安那爵士乐只是曾经活跃在印第安纳大道上的文化的一个影子。可知，爵士乐的本土文化消失了。故选A。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解，词义猜测和段落大意三个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，要求考生在捕捉细节信息的基础上，进一步根据上下文的逻辑关系，进行分析，推理，概括和归纳，从而选出正确答案。

5．阅读短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。

Climate change is perhaps the key issue of our time. Often, however, it is presented to us as being so abstract that it seems impossibly distant. For those of you looking for something a little more concrete, a new report suggests that the effects of climate change may significantly affect coffee.

The report, put out by The Climate Institute, describes the effects of climate change on various coffee-growing nations and the resultant effects on the plants and those who grow them. Coffee Arabica plants, which produce 70% of all commercial coffee, can be adversely affected by even a half-degree change in typical weather conditions. This sensitivity to temperature puts the plant at increased risk of the effects of climate change.

In Central America the average temperature has risen by a full degree Celsius since 1960. In Ethiopia the average temperature has increased by 1. 3 degrees. This increase is enough to have notable effects on the plants. In Tanzania the productivity per hectare of coffee has fallen by half since the 1960s due to changes in temperature.

Indeed, studies claim that by 2050 the area of the world suitable for growing coffee will be cut by half. Coffee production is likely to then be pushed to higher elevations (海拔) to take advantage of lower temperatures, but this will not be enough to make up for lost lowland areas.

Coffee is the second most traded goods by developing nations, and the inability of producer nations to export it could cause dramatic chain reactions in their economies. Millions of people make a living in the production, processing, transport, and sale of coffee; their livelihoods would stand to take a blow as growing areas decrease and prices rise.

As the temperature keeps rising, your cup of coffee will become much more expensive, and it may also carry an aftertaste bitterer than usual, for all those workers in the coffee belt left without the means to make a living as conditions worsen. Not only that, but the economic effects will cost the West millions in increased foreign aid.

（1）What does the underlined word \"adversely\" in Paragraph 3 most probably mean? A. slightly B. temporarily C. harmfully D. gradually （2）Why will people have to grow coffee in highland areas?

A. To adapt to the change of temperature. B. To increase the quality of the products. C. To reduce the cost of coffee production D. To get access to water supply more easily. （3）What conclusion can we draw from the last two paragraphs? A. The rich will get richer and the poor poorer. B. Small changes may have large effects in general. C. Developed countries ought to aid poor countries. D. Coffee trade will eventually disappear in the world.

（4）How does the author feel about the future of coffee production?

A. Cautious. B. Worried. C. Unconcerned. D. Hopeful. 【答案】 （1）C （2）A （3）B （4）B

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，一份新的报告表明，气候变化的影响可能会显著影响咖啡。到2050年，世界上适合种植咖啡的面积将减少一半。咖啡产业的变化会对社会造成很多影响。

（1）考查词义猜测。根据第三段中的“This sensitivity to temperature puts the plant at increased risk of the effects of climate change.”这种对温度的敏感性增加了植物受到气候变化影响的风险。由此推断出，上文的意思是阿拉比卡咖啡的产量占所有商业咖啡的70%，在典型的天气条件下，即使气温只上升了半度，也会对其产生不利影响。\"adversely\"意思是有害的，故选C。

（2）考查推理判断。根据第五段中的“Coffee production is likely to then be pushed to higher elevations to take advantage of lower temperatures, but this will not be enough to make up for lost lowland areas.”咖啡生产很可能会被推到更高的海拔，以利用更低的温度，但这将不足以弥补失去的低地地区。由此推断出，人们要在高地地区种植咖啡是为了适应温度的变化，故选A。

（3）考查推理判断。根据倒数第二段中的“Coffee is the second most traded goods by developing nations, and the inability of producer nations to export it could cause dramatic chain reactions in their economies.”咖啡是发展中国家的第二大贸易商品，而生产国无法出口咖

啡，可能会在其经济中引发巨大的连锁反应)和最后一段中的“Not only that, but the economic effects will cost the West millions in increased foreign aid.”不仅如此，其经济影响还将使西方国家在增加对外援助方面损失数百万美元。由此推断出，这些小的变化也可能产生大的影响，故选B。

（4）考查推理判断。根据第一段中的“a new report suggests that the effects of climate change may significantly affect coffee.”一份新的报告表明，气候变化的影响可能会显著影响咖啡。和第五段中的“Indeed, studies claim that by 2050 the area of the world suitable for growing coffee will be cut by half.”事实上，研究表明，到2050年，世界上适合种植咖啡的面积将减少一半。由此推断出，作者对咖啡生产的未来很担忧，故选B。

【点评】本题考点涉及词义猜测和推理判断两个题型的考查，是一篇社会类阅读，要求考生在捕捉细节信息的基础上，进一步根据上下文的逻辑关系，进行分析，推理，概括和归纳，从而选出正确答案。

6．阅读短文，从短文后每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。 Over the years, cheerleading has taken two primary forms: game-time cheerleading and competitive cheerleading. Game-time cheerleaders' main goal is to entertain the crowd and lead them with team cheers, which should not be considered a sport. However, competitive cheerleading is more than a form of entertainment. It is really a competitive sport.

Competitive cheerleading includes lots of physical activity. The majority of the teams require a certain level of tumbling (翻腾) ability. It's a very common thing for gymnasts, so it's easy for them to go into competitive cheerleading. Usually these cheerleaders integrate lots of their gymnastics experience including their jumps, tumbling, and overall energy. They also perform lifts and throws. This is where the \"fliers\" are thrown in the air, held by \"bases\" in different positions that require strength and working with other teammates.

Competitive cheerleading is also an activity that is governed by rules under which a winner can be declared. It is awarded points for technique, creativity and sharpness. Usually the more difficult the action is, the better the score is. That's why cheerleaders are trying to experience great difficulty in their performance.

Besides, there is also a strict rule of time. The whole performance has to be completed in less than three minutes and fifteen seconds, during which the cheerleaders are required to stay within a certain area. Any performance beyond the limit of time is invalid.

Another reason for the fact that competitive cheerleading is one of the hardest sports is that it has more reported injuries. According to some research, competitive cheerleading is the number one cause of serious sports injuries to women. Emergency room visits for it are five times the number than for any other sport, partially because cheerleaders don't use protective equipment. Smiling cheerleaders are thrown into the air and move down into the arms of the teammates, which may easily cause injuries. Generally, these injuries affect all areas of the body, including wrists, shoulders, ankles, head, and neck.

There can be no doubt that competitive cheerleading is a sport with professional skills. Hopefully, it will appear in the Olympics since cheerleaders are just as athletic and physically fit as those involved in the more accepted sports. It should be noted that it is a team sport and even

the smallest mistake made by one teammate can bring the score of the entire team down. So without working together to achieve the goal, first place is out of reach. （1）What is the main purpose of competitive cheerleading?

A. To compare skills of participants. B. To make the audience feel amused. C. To attract more people to watch events. D. To cheer up the competitors on the court. （2）The underlined word \"integrate\" in Paragraph 2 probably means \"________\". A. examine B. combine C. identify D. replace （3）We can learn from the passage that competitive cheerleading ________. A. lacks necessary guidelines to follow B. enjoys greater popularity than other sports C. requires more designed actions than gymnastics D. has a relatively high rate of damage to the body

（4）Which of the following shows the structure of the passage? I: Introduction P: Point Sp: Sub-point (次要点) C: Conclusion

A. B. C. D.

【答案】 （1）A （2）B （3）D （4）C

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，介绍了竞技啦啦队不同于普通的啦啦队，它是一项具有专业技能的运动，有自己的规则，融入了一些体操的技能。队员必须有团队精神，队员的受伤率很高。

（1）考查细节理解。根据第一段中的“competitive cheerleading is more than a form of entertainment. It is really a competitive sport.和Competitive cheerleading includes lots of physical activity.”及最后一段中的“There can be no doubt that competitive cheerleading is a sport with professional skills. ”竞技啦啦队是竞争性的运动，是一项具有专业技能的运动。故选A。

（2）考查词义猜测。根据第二段中的“including their jumps, tumbling, and overall energy.”通

常这些竞技啦啦队长会将他们的体操经验融入其中，包括跳跃、翻滚和总能量。\"integrate\"指整合，结合，融入与combine同义，故选B。

（3）考查细节理解。根据倒数第二段中的“Another reason for the fact that competitive cheerleading is one of the hardest sports is that it has more reported injuries.”及“Generally, these injuries affect all areas of the body, including wrists, shoulders, ankles, head, and neck.”可知，竞技啦啦队很容易造成队员受伤，会造成身体多个部位的伤害。故选D。

（4）考查文章结构。第一段是总体介绍竞技啦啦队，第二段介绍其包括内容和标准，第三、四段介绍其难度很高，第五段介绍竞技啦啦队受伤率很高。最后一段得出结论竞技啦啦队是一项专业技能的运动。属于总分总结构，故选C。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解，词义猜测和文章结构三个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，考生需要准确捕捉细节信息，并根据上下文的逻辑关系，进行推理，归纳，从而选出正确答案。

7．阅读理解

More and more people in America are celebrating the Indian holiday Diwali. Diwali is Hindi for \"row of lights\". It is the most important holiday in India.

Many people around the world are beginning to celebrate it as well. The United States is one of the places where the festival is becoming more common. Diwali celebrations can now be found at American landmarks like Disneyland in California and New York City's Times Square. They are also held in many parks and museums.

Neeta Bhasin created the Times Square event. She said Indian immigrants have found great success in America. But, she said, many Americans still do not know much about India. So, she decided to act.\" I felt it's about time that we should take India to mainstream America and show India's rich culture, heritage, arts and variety to the world,\" she said, \"and I couldn't find a better place than Times Square.\"

Bhasin came to the United States from India 40 years ago. She is president of ASB Communications, the marketing firm behind Diwali at Times Square. Tens of thousands of people attend the event, now in its fourth year.

In India, Diwali is a five-day harvest festival held just before the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change from year to year but Diwali is always in the fall. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps or candles called \"diyas\".

A Diwali celebration will light up Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim this year. Visitors can watch performances of traditional Indian dances and take part in a Bollywood dance party. The event is part of a Festival of Holidays program at the theme park to show cultural traditions from around the world. The program takes place on November 10th through January 7th. San Antonio, Texas, also holds a Diwali celebration. And it is one of the nation's largest celebrations, with more than 15,000 people in attendance each year. Visitors can enjoy Indian dance，food and fireworks. Organizers also plan to float hundreds of lighted candles in the San Antonio River, along the city's famous River Walk.

（1）Which is the main symbol in the Indian holiday Diwali?

A. Dances. B. Lamps. C. Food. D. Clothes.

（2）Why did Neeta Bhasin set up the Times Square event? A. To make the American culture richer. B. To create a new business for the firm. C. To make Indian culture better known in the US. D. To show the achievements of Indian immigrants. （3）What do we know about Diwali? A. It is held in autumn in India. B. It lasts five days in America.

C. It has been held for 40 years in America.

D. It happens from November 10th to January 7th in India. （4）What is the main idea of the text? A. Diwali is mainly celebrated in Disney Parks. B. Many American cities compete to hold Diwali. C. Indian Holiday Diwali lights up America, too.

D. Diwali has become the most important holiday in India. 【答案】 （1）B （2）C （3）A （4）C

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，Diwali在印度语中意为\"排灯节\"。它是印度最重要的节日。越来越多的美国人庆祝印度的Diwali。

（1）考查细节理解。根据第五段中的“Celebrations include lighting oil lamps or candles called ‘diyas’.”可知，the Indian holiday Diwali的主要标志是Lamps。故选B。

（2）考查推理判断。根据第三段中的“Neeta Bhasin created the Times Square event. She said Indian immigrants have found great success in America. But, she said, many Americans still do not know much about India.”可知，Neeta Bhasin成立了the Times Square的活动是为了让印度文化在美国更广为人知。故选C。

（3）考查细节理解。根据第五段中的“In India, Diwali is a five-day harvest festival held just before the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change from year to year but Diwali is always in the fall.”可知，Diwali在印度的秋天举行。故选A。

（4）考查主旨大意。根据第一段中的“More and more people in America are celebrating the Indian holiday Diwali. Diwali is Hindi for ‘row of lights’. It is the most important holiday in India.”可知，Indian Holiday Diwali也照亮了美国。它在美国越来越受欢迎。故选C。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解，推理判断和主旨大意三个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，考生需要准确掌握细节信息，并根据上下文进行逻辑推理，概括归纳，从而选出正确答案。

8．阅读理解

Thomas Cheatham had planned to study Latin during his time at Hebron High School in Texas. But when he learned that the school district was going to offer a Mandarin(普通话) class, he

quickly changed his mind.

\"I thought Mandarin would be more beneficial than Latin,\" said Cheatham, who is now in his second year of studying the language.

He speaks Mandarin to order food at Chinese restaurants and can read social media posts from his Chinese-speaking friends. While it's a difficult language to master, the high school junior, who plans to study computer engineering, thinks it will be important for his career. \"Chinese is a good language to know, especially with China becoming a growing power,\" he said.

Many experts agree that proficiency(熟练) in a language spoken by a billion people worldwide will give American students an edge in the global economy.

\"People are looking at China as our next economic competitor, and interest in Mandarin is growing fast,\" said Marty Abbott, director of the American Council(议会) on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. \"We're seeing it in all parts of the country.\"

Abbott predicts that as many as 100,000 students are now studying Mandarin in public and private schools throughout the US. She said the US government has designated (指定) Mandarin as an \"important needs\" language and provides professional development programs for teachers. \"Our government wants to increase our language ability for national security and economic competitiveness,\" Abbott added.

At the same time, the Chinese government is spreading knowledge of the Chinese language and culture through Confucius Institutes set up in many US states. For example, the Confucius Institute at the University of Texas in Dallas has been the home of a Confucius Institute for 10 years. It sponsors Confucius Classrooms at 21 local public and private schools, where tens of thousands of students are learning Mandarin.

（1）Why did Thomas Cheatham decide to study Mandarin instead of Latin? A. Mandarin was easier to learn than Latin. B. Mandarin could be helpful to his future career. C. Mandarin might help him learn more about China. D. Mandarin could enable him to study computer engineering.

（2）The underlined word \"edge\" in Paragraph 4 probably means \"________\". A. a slight advantage B. the outside limit C. a sharp tone of voice D. an exciting quality

（3）Which of the following statements might Marty Abbott agree with? A. Mandarin should be taught in classrooms throughout the US. B. Those skilled at Chinese will be the most competitive in the future. C. The US government's policy has helped popularize Mandarin in the US. D. Americans learn Mandarin because they worry about their national security. （4）What does the author mainly talk about in this passage? A. The rising popularity of Mandarin among American students. B. The great benefits of learning Mandarin for American students. C. The influence of China's growing power on American education. D. The effect of Confucius Institutes in promoting Mandarin in the US. 【答案】 （1）B

（2）A （3）C （4）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，以一个美国学生的经历为例来讲述随着中国经济的发展，普通话在美国校园很流行，这是中国在世界舞台上地位上升的一个反映。许多美国学生认为学习中文能够在今后职业发展的道路上有所帮助，美国政府对中文的重视也促使更多的学生学习中文。

（1）考查细节理解。根据第四段中的“While it's a difficult language to master, the high school junior, who plans to study computer engineering, thinks it will be important for his career.”可知，Thomas希望中文能够在他今后职业发展的道路上对他有所帮助。故选B。 （2）考查词义猜测。根据本句句意可知，汉语是一门全世界10亿人说的语言，专家认为掌握了它的人会在全球经济中有优势，故选A。

（3）考查细节理解。根据倒数第二段中的“She said the US government has designated (指定) Mandarin as an important needs language and provides professional development programs for teachers. ”可知，美国政府的政策促进了普通话在美国的普及，故选C。

（4）考查主旨大意。纵观全文，主要介绍了美国学生学习中文热情升温的现象，分析了出现该现象的背景和原因，故选A。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解，词义猜测和主旨大意三个题型的考查，是一篇社会文化类阅读，要求考生在捕捉细节信息的基础上，进一步根据上下文的逻辑关系，进行分析，推理，概括和归纳，从而选出正确答案。

9．阅读理解

While many countries love their tea, UK citizens are particularly proud of being “tea people”. The average UK citizen consumes nearly 2 kilograms of tea each year.

Tea only made its way to England in large quantities in the first years of the 17th century. Tea from China and a few other Asian countries was being sold more widely in England at that time. Then tea was getting more and more popular among different social classes.

There are many varieties of tea. Black tea mixtures are still the most common type drunk in the UK. Black tea is dark in colour, because the leaves have been allowed to oxidize (氧化) before drying. This is why we usually serve it with milk, although it is not uncommon to drink it black or with lemon. You may still find tea made with loose tea leaves, served up in a pot, and poured into the best china cups with saucers (茶托) for visitors.

Tea is still a large part of daily life in the UK today, but it seems to be on the decrease. The amount of tea sold in the UK fell by more than 10% in the five years leading up to 2002, and has been dropping ever since. Tea sales fell by 6% in 2014 alone, and most restaurants report selling more than twice as many cups of coffee as they do tea. More than ￡1 billion was spent on coffee in high street stores in 2013, more than twice what was spent on tea bags. Still, what goes around comes around; it's sure to become fashionable again. （1）Which of the following is true according to the first three paragraphs? A. Tea made its way to England in the early years of the 16th century.

B. The UK usually serves black tea with lemon.

C. Tea from China was being sold more widely in England now. D. UK citizens take pride in being \"tea people\".

（2）What can we infer from the fourth paragraph? A. Tea sales fell by 6% in 2014 alone.

B. Since 2002, the sales of tea has been on the decrease. C. In 2013, the money spent on tea was ￡3 billion. D. Most restaurant like selling tea than coffee.

（3）What does the underlined sentence mean in the last paragraph? A. It can never succeed again. B. The tea can become popular again. C. Coffee is more popular than tea. D. The tea is becoming less popular. （4）What is the author's purpose in writing the text?

A. To introduce tea in the UK. B. To show the author's preference for tea. C. To introduce the functions of tea. D. To compare tea in China and UK. 【答案】 （1）D （2）B （3）B （4）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，介绍了茶叶备受英国人的喜爱以及目前的现状。 （1）考查细节理解。根据第一段中的“While many countries love their tea, UK citizens are particularly proud of being ‘tea people’.”可知，尽管很多国家都喜欢他们自己的茶，但是英国人作为“tea people”而感到非常地自豪。故选D。

（2）考查推理判断。根据第四段中的“The amount of tea sold in the UK fell by more than 10% in the five years leading up to 2002, and has been dropping ever since.”可知，从2002年开始茶叶的销量已经开始逐渐下降，故选B。

（3）考查词义猜测。根据最后一段中的“Still, what goes around comes around; it's sure to become fashionable again.”可知，下划线后面是分号，分号在句子中的功能相当于同义句改写，确定的是茶叶能够再次流行起来。故选B。

（4）考查推理判断。通过全文内容可知，作者写这篇文章的目的就是为了介绍茶在英国的情况，故选A。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解，词义猜测和推理判断三个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，考生需要准确捕捉细节信息，并根据上下文的逻辑关系，进行分析，推理，从而选出正确答案。

10．阅读理解

The Peony Culture Festival of Luoyang

Spring is time for people to go out and see blossoming flowers. Luoyang in Henan, China is famous for peonies, the city's official flower. The city's annual Peony Culture Festival begins in early April and lasts till early May. Peonies are in full bloom during the event, which was first held in 1983.

You can go to the Luoyang National Peony Garden. The peonies there are known for their rich colors and long florescence. Don't miss the 1,600-year-old \"Peony King\"! Chinese Language Day

Chinese is one of the six official working languages of the United Nations. The LIN has set different days for these languages to promote their uses. It holds exhibitions, shows and other activities. In 2010, the first Chinese Language Day was held on Nov. 12. But since 2011, it has been held on April 20. The date is close to Grain Rain, one of the 24 solar terms. It means \"rain of millet\". People celebrate Grain Rain to remember Cangjie, a mythical character. Many people believe that Cangjie was the first person to write Chinese characters. When he did this, it rained millet and saved people from hunger. China Astronautics Day

On April 24, 1970, China's first man-made Earth satellite — Dongfanghong I — went into space. It was a big step for China's space program. In 2016, the government set April 24 as China Astronautics Day. Many events are held across the country to celebrate this special day. For example, astronauts and scientists will give talks to students. Some cities will hold exhibitions about space development.

Last year, China had big plans for its space program. On December 8, it launched its second lunar rover（月球车）as part of the Chang'e 4 space mission, which landed on the far side of the moon.

（1）When was the first Chinese Language Day held by the United Nations? A. In 1970. B. In 1983. C. In 2010. D. In 2011. （2）What does the introduction to \"China Astronautics Day\" show? A. China sent the first man-made earth satellite. B. China has progressed greatly in astronautics. C. Chang'e 4 consists of two lunar rovers. D. Chang'e 4 is another space station built by China. （3）What do the festivals have in common? A. They all take place in April at present. B. They are celebrated nationwide. C. All the participants are Chinese people. D. Their dates were once changed for some reason. 【答案】 （1）C （2）B （3）A

【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文，介绍了洛阳牡丹节、汉语节和中国航天日等几个节日。

（1）考查细节理解。根据Chinese Language Day部分中的\"In 2010, the first Chinese Language Day was held on Nov. 12. But since 2011, it has been held on April 20. In 2010, the first Chinese Language Day was held on Nov. 12. But since 2011, it has been held on April 20.\"可知，第一个联合国汉语日设在2010年，故选C。

（2）考查推理判断。根据China Astronautics Day 部分中的\"On April 24, 1970, China's first

man-made Earth satellite — Dongfanghong I — went into space. It was a big step for China's space program. In 2016, the government set April 24 as China Astronautics Day.\"可知，1970年4月24日，中国第一颗人造地球卫星\"东方红一号\"进入太空。2016年，政府将4月24日定为中国航天日。故中国航天日的介绍说明了中国航天事业取得了巨大进步，选B。 （3）考查细节理解。根据这三个节日的时间设定可知，三个节日的共同之处就是它们都是在四月，故选A。

【点评】本题考点涉及细节理解和推理判断两个题型的考查，是一篇文化类阅读，考生需要准确捕捉细节信息，并根据上下文进行逻辑推理，从而选出正确答案。