高三英语阅读理解专项

2013年高三英语二轮专项复习专题之---阅读理解【学习目标】：1.熟练运用所学词汇知识做题技巧，进行文章细节和整体的理解，提升解题能力。

2. 限时训练，学会整体及细节理解、总结归纳的方法。

3. 积极参与，体验成长快乐，具有国际视野和跨文化意识。

一、新课标高考对阅读理解考试的能力要求要求考生读懂一般性话题的简短文字材料，例如公告、说明、广告以及书、报、杂志中的简短文章。

考生应能：1. 理解主旨大意；2. 寻找具体信息；3. 根据上下文提供的语境推测生词词义；4. 做出简单的判断和推理；5. 理解文章的基本逻辑结构；6. 理解作者的意图与态度；7. 理解文章文化信息，根据学习任务的需要从多种媒体中获取信息并进行加工处理。

8. 除教材外，课外阅读量累计达到30万词以上。

二、命题特点和趋势：命题特点:高考阅读理解部分一般由4篇题材、体裁不同的短文组成，短文后共有20道选择题，总阅读量约1000词，答题参考时间35分钟。

从最近几年的高考阅读理解题来看，共分6种题型，分别是：事实细节题, 主旨大意题, 推理判断题, 词义猜测题, 意图、观点和态度题，文章结构题。

命题趋势：四篇短文题材多样，涉及日常生活、环保、生态平衡、动物保护、奇人轶事、科技动态、古代传说、社会与文化、政治与经济等方面，话题贴近考生，颇具现实意义。

材料来源广泛，大都选自国外的报刊杂志和各类宣传材料。

体现思想性和教育性。

细节题仍是考查的重点。

考生应该具备读懂文章具体细节的能力。

这是对文章进行深层次的理解的基础。

主旨题、归纳题和概括题等深层理解题大幅度增加，几乎与细节题持平。

词义猜测题也有大幅度的提高，这与新考纲增加词汇量有密切联系，要求考生提高处理生词的能力。

考查作者意图、观点和态度的题也有上升的趋势，这是考查阅读深层次理解的需要。

反映社会文化类的文章所占比例最大，较广泛地反映了国外生活内容，而涉及国内题材较少。

其次是人物故事类，让学生接触国外的人和事。

科普性文章在科学日新月异的今天，是考生必备的技能。

广告类文章和新闻体现了英语的实用性，让考生关心时事。

命题人比较注重对以下材料的选择：1.贴近生活实际的材料；2.有浓厚时代气息的材料；3.有一定英语文化背景的材料；4.考生一般不熟悉的材料；5.篇章结构、句子结构都比较复杂的材料，材料中的新课标常用词汇是重点。

三、高考阅读理解题的答题步骤：1.浏览试题，速读全文2.识别题型，找准方法3.仔细审题，细读试答4.再看全文，抓住关键词与句5.复读核查，验证答案四、高考阅读理解题的解题技巧：1.细节理解：这类试题占大部分。

它多数是针对文章中的细节而设计的，如文章中某一个特定的细节，也可能涉及若干个细节，或者针对文章的主要事实，或利用图表、图形、地图来表示信息等。

这种题的答案在原文中可直接找到。

2.推测词义：利用同义词、近义词、反义词，所给定义等方法去推测词义，甚至在通篇理解的基础上推测并发现所给生词的词义。

我们都需要有意识地训练并最终具备这种不用词典而通过上下文来认识生词的能力。

具体方法如下：1)对上下文未知部分进行逻辑推理；2)进行语法分析，特别注意词与词之间的关系；3)依靠自己的生活常识和社会经验进行判断。

3.推理判断：要求我们考生在通篇理解文章的基础上，以文章提供的事实为依据，将已表述的和隐含的信息结合起来进行思考、分析，以领会作者的真正意图，从而做出正确的推理和判断。

切不可凭空想象，主观臆断。

4.归纳概括：归纳文章的段落大意、重要情节、人物特征、环境特点。

要把握文章的总体，并真正领会其主体(subject)、中心思想(main idea)、标题(title)或作者的写作目的(purpose)。

注意：1.注意每段文章的主题句或结论句通常在每段的首句或尾句。

2.可采用以下设置干扰项的方法逐个进行排除。

(1)将材料的部分内容当全部内容；(2)人为扩大材料中某部分内容的含义；(3)偏移材料中某部分内容的含义；(4)缩小材料中某部分内容的含义；(5)包含部分正确内容；(6)偏离材料的主旨和要义。

3.不掺杂自己的任何观点，必须忠实于原文。

4.注意文章的细节：注意全文谈何人、何事、何时、何处、何物，及其特点与特征；数字与日期；5.注意问题的类型，尤其是概括型和推理型概括型：找出文章的主题或中心，其关键词有下面几种：the title, the main idea, the best statement, the writer‘s main purpose, the main topic。

推理型：找出文章的内涵，做出推理，得出结论。

常用下列词语设问：feel, intend, it may be inferred, taken from/be concluded that…。

五、高考失分点:1.主观臆断，轻率答题2. 以偏概全，不善归纳3.忽视干扰项，不注意比较四个答案4. 阅读技巧差造成阅读速度慢，在规定时间做不完(一)记叙文记叙文的常见叙事线索1.人物线索：人物的见闻感受或者事迹2.物品线索：某一有特殊意义的物品。

3.感情线索：作者或作品中主要人物的思想感情变化。

4.事件线索：中心事件5.时间线索6.地点变换线索AOnce many years ago, I pulled a family out of a burning car somewhere in Wyoming. Last week I received a telephone call from a woman who could not stop crying as she told me that one of my stories had saved her son from committing suicide. In closing she called me a hero.That got me thinking about what a hero is. Was I a hero because I pulled a family out from a burning car? If so, how could I be a hero just because I wrote a story that saved someone's life?Today I decided to look up the word ―hero‖ in the dictionary to see exactly what it meant. It read ―a person who does something brave‖. As I read on, it also said ―a person who is good and noble‖.That statement impressed me more than the part about being brave. So I thought about something very important. Say I was walking into the local Wal-Mart Store and I happened to open, and hold the door for someone as a courtesy. As they passed me by, I said, ―How are you today？‖ Most of the time that would be no big deal, but this time let's say it was for someone who was deeply depressed and near the end of the rope. That may have very well been the only kindness or courtesy shown to them in a very long time.Having been near ―the end of my rope‖, after my marriage of twenty years ended, I was in such a condition. I was within hours trying to get enough courage to end the pain and misery. When I returned home, someone had sent me a card in the mail which told me how much they would appreciate me as a friend. That wonderful card probably saved my life. That person, without even knowing it, saved a life and became a hero.Gee, who would have ever thought that anyone can become a hero, and possibly save a life just by being kind and courteous to others? The best part of all is that becoming a hero is free to all who wish to wear such an honor.56. Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?A. Why Should You Be A Hero?B. What Exactly Is A Hero?C. I Am A HeroD. Everyone Is A Hero57. From the first paragraph we know that ________.A. the woman was just the one from the family I pulled outB. one of my stories prevented the woman's son from ending his lifeC. the woman couldn't help crying because I had saved her lifeD. the writer was called a hero who had saved a family from an accident58. The underlined word ―courtesy‖ in Paragraph 4 means the behavior that is ________.A. polite and respectfulB. brave and fearlessC. smart and considerateD. cute and kind59. After the writer got divorced, ________.A. he devoted all his life to helping the poorB. he led a very happy lifeC. he led an extremely unhappy and uncomfortable lifeD. he found much pleasure in supporting the homeless60. According to this passage, which of the following can be considered as the behavior of a hero?A. Holding a door open for someone.B. Sending someone a wonderful card.C. Keeping writing stories for children.D. Being kind to someone who has a hard time.BKnowing how much her own children loved presents at Christmas, Ann Sutton always tried to seek help for one or two poor families. With a social worker mother, the Sutton children had inherited her commitment to service, and knew never to take their good fortune at Christmas for granted. This year, Kinzie, her seven-year-old daughter was thrilled that Santa Claus would make a special visit to a 22-year-old mother named Ashley who worked in a factory raising her 12-month-old son by herself.The phone rang on Sunday. A representative from a local organization was calling to say that the aid Ann had requested for Ashley had fallen through. No Santa Claus, no presents, nothing.Ann saw the cheer vanish from her children's faces at the news. Without a word, Kinzie ran into her bedroom. She returned, her face set with determination. Opening up her piggy bank, she put all the coins onto the table: $ 3.30.Everything she had.Mom, she told Ann, ―I know it's not much.But maybe this will buy a present for the baby.‖ At a breakfast meeting the next day, Ann told her coworkers about her daughter's story. To her surprise, the staff members began to open their purses and empty their pockets to help Kinzie. By day's end, the story of Kinzie's gift had spread beyond Ann's office. She received a call from an unknown donor. If a seven - year-old girl could give everything she had, he said, he should at least match her gift 100 to 1.He contributed $ 300.On Christmas Eve, Ann drove through the pouring rain to the small trailer where the Ashleys lived. Then she began to unload the gifts from the car, handing them to Ashley one by one.Ashley was very moved. Reflecting on a little girl's generosity, Ashley says she'll one day be able to do something similar for someone else in need. ―Kinzie could have used that money for herself, but she gave it away，‖ Ashley says.―She's the type of kid I'd like my son to grow up to be.‖61. According to the text, Ann Sutton ________.A. is making lots of moneyB. is ready to help othersC. is only caring about herselfD. is a hard-working mother62. Which of the following is NOT true according to the text?A. Ashley lived a hard life with her little son.B. The Sutton children took Ann as an example to follow.C. The coworkers of Ann helped Kinzie to realize her wish.D. Ann Sutton tried to ask for help for her own children.63. What can we learn about Kinzie?A. She was afraid that Santa Claus would visit the Ashleys.B. She should get some presents from her mother at Christmas.C. She devoted all her coins to buying a present for the baby.D. She was cheerful when hearing the aid had fallen through.64. Which of the following can be inferred from the text?A.Children are more generous than adults..B. Ann worked for the local organization to help poor families..C. Ashley‘s son will give give his money away.D. A good deed can influence many people's behavior.65. What would be the best title for the text?A. A Young Girl's GiftB. A Mother's LoveC. A Story of a Young GirlD. An Unknown Donor(二)说明文按说明对象分：实物说明文、事理说明文(说明事物原理或者使用方法等)按语言特点分：平实性说明文、文艺性说明文(科学小品或知识小品)(语言生动形象的说明文，多用描写)CUntil recently, the ―science of the future‖ was supposed to be electronics and artificial intelligence. Today it seems more and more likely that the next great breakthroughs in technology will be brought through a combination of those two sciences with organic chemistry and genetic engineering. This combination is the science of biotechnology.Organic chemistry enables us to produce marvelous synthetic (合成的) materials. However, it is still difficult to manufacture anything that has the capacity of wool to conserve heat and also to absorb moisture. Nothing that we have been able to produce so far comes anywhere near the combination of strength, lightness and flexibility that we find in the bodies of ordinary insects.Nevertheless, scientists in the laboratory have already succeeded in ―growing‖a material that has many of the characteristics of human skin. The next step may well be ―biotech hearts and eyes‖ which can replace diseased organs in human beings. These will not be rejected by the body, as is the case with organs from humans.The application of biotechnology to energy production seems even more promising. In 1996 the famous science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke, many of whose previous predictions have come true, said that we may soon be able to develop remarkably cheap and renewable sources of energy. Some of these power sources will be biological. Clarke and others have warned us repeatedly that sooner or later we will have to give up our dependence on non-renewable power sources. Coal, oil and gas are indeed convenient. However, using them also means creating dangerously high levels of pollution. It will be impossible to meet the growing demand for energy without increasing that pollution to catastrophic (灾难性的) levels unless we develop power sources that are both cheaper and cleaner.It is attempting to think that biotechnology or some other ―science of the future‖can solve our problems. Before we surrender to that temptation we should remember nuclear power. Only a few generations ago it seemed to promise limitless, cheap and safe energy. Today those promises lie buried in aconcrete grave in a place called Chernobyl (切尔诺贝利), in the Ukraine. Biotechnology is unlikely, however, to break its promises in quite the same or such a dangerous way.66. According to the passage, the science of the future is likely to be __________.A. electronicsB. biotechnologyC. genetic engineeringD. nuclear technology67. Organic chemistry helps to produce materials that are __________.A. as good as woolB. as good as an insect‘s bodyC. not as good as natural materialsD. better than natural materials.68. According to the passage, it may soon be possible__________.A. to make something as good as human skinB. to produce drugs without side effectsC. to transplant human organsD. to make artificial hearts and eyes69. In 1996, Arthur C. Clarke predicted that ___________.A. biological power sources would be put into use soonB. oil, gas and coal could be repeatedly used in the futureC. dependence on non-renewable power sources would be reduced soonD. the Chernobyl disaster would happen in two years70. What do we learn from the last paragraph?A. Biotechnology can solve all our future energy problems.B. Biological power is cheaper than nuclear power.C. Biological power may not be as dangerous as nuclear power.D. Biological power will keep all its promises.DThere‘s a dark little joke: Rip V an Winkle awakens in the 21st century after a hundred-year sleep. Men and women dash about, talking to small metal devices. Young people sit on sofas, moving miniature athletes around on electronic screens. Airports, hospitals, shopping malls—every place Rip goes just puzzles him. But when he finally walks into a schoolroom, the old man knows exactly where he is. "This is a school," he declares. "We used to have these black in 1906. Only now the blackboards are green."American schools aren‘t exactly frozen in time, but considering the pace of change in other areas of life, our public schools tend to feel like throwbacks. Kids spend much of the day as their great-grandparents once did: sitting in rows, listening to teachers lecture, scribbling notes by hand, reading textbooks that are out of date. A yawning chasm separates the world inside the schoolhouse from the world outside.The national conversation on education has long focused on reading scores, math tests and closing the "achievement gap". This is not a story about that conversation. This is a story about the big public conversation the nation is not having about education, the one that will ultimately determine whether an entire generation of kids will fail to make the grade in the global economy because they can‘t think their way through abstract problems, work in teams or speak a language other than English.This week the conversation will burst onto the front page, when the NCSAW releases a blueprint for rethinking American education from pre-K to 12 and beyond to better prepare students to thrive in the global economy. While that report includes some debatable proposals, there is a remarkable agreement among educators and business and policy leaders on one key conclusion: we need to bring what we teach and how we teach into the 21st century. Today‘s economy demands not only a high-level competence in the traditional academic disciplines but also what might be called 21st-century skills.71. What is the writer‘s purpose to use a dark little joke in the first paragraph?A. To serve as an introduction to Rip Van Winkle.B. To draw readers‘ attention to the present situations in American schools.C. To remind people that American literature plays an important role in economy.D. To let its readers enjoy the article from the very beginning.72. What is the writer‘s general impression of American school children?A. They look much like their great-grandparents.B. They can do everything as they like.C. They are well developed on all sides.D. They are almost separated from the outside world.73. From the third paragraph, we know the writer ________.A. has focused on reading scores and math testsB. tells a story about the national conversationC. tends to care much about the big public conversationD. promises to help kids with their grade in the global economy74. The underlined part ―to thrive‖ in the last paragraph most probably means ________.A. to become and continue to be successful and strong.B. to enjoy something especially other people would not like.C. to compete with other people for better positionsD. to work in teams with any other people.词汇积累：______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________(三)科普文E (BCAA)It happened to me recently that I was telling someone how much I had enjoyed reading Barack Obama‘s Dreams From My Father and how it had changed my views of the current US President. The person I was talking to agreed with me that it was, in his words, ―a wonderfully written book. ‖However, he then proceeded to talk about Mr Obama in a way that suggested he had no idea of his background at all. I sensed that I was talking to a book liar.And it seems that he is not the only one. Clearly two thirds of people have lied about reading a book which they haven‘t. In The World Book Day survey, Dreams From My Father is at number 9. The survey lists top ten books, and various authors, which people have lied about reading. As I‘m not one to lie too often, I‘ll admit here and now that I haven‘t read the entire ten books. But I am pleased to say that I have read the book at number one, George Orwell‘s 1984. I think it‘s absolutely outstanding.Asked why they lied, the most common reason was to impress someone they were speaking to . This could be difficult if the conversation became more in-depth!The World Book Day survey also has some other interesting information in it. It shows that many people lie about having read classical works by Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens and so on. But when asked which authors they actually enjoy, they named JK Rowling, Jilly Cooper, and Stephen King (ah, the big sellers, in other words). Forty-one percent of people asked admitted they turned to the back of the book to read the end before finishing the story.So which books have you lied about reading—if any—and which is your favorite?75. The main reason why people lie about reading is toA. make fun of the listenerB. impress the listenerC. please the listenerD. interest the listener76. The underlined word ―proceeded‖in the passage probably means― ‖A. wantedB. happenedC. continuedD. stopped77. What does The World Book Day survey show?A. Nearly half of the people surveyed didn‘t read through a whole classical b ook.B. People don‘t like Dreams From My Father and George Orwell‘s 1984C. Few people lie about having read classical works by Jane Austen.D. People usually enjoy reading books by Charles Dickens.78. What is the best title for the passage?A. Are You A Book Liar?B. Readers Are All LiarsC. World Book DayD. Dreams From My Father(四)应用文F(C DAB)How to Save on Sightseeing New Y ork City AttractionsWith so many unique attractions, world-famous museums, theaters, and skyscrapers there is always plenty to do in New York. However, sightseeing, in New Y ork City might not be the easiest or the cheapest experience.This is why our team of real, life-long New Yorkers has created the New York Pass. If you want to discover the best of what this amazing city offers while still saving some time and money on your visit, the New Y ork Pass is something you should be interested in.How You Benefit from The New York Pass?Free entry to over 50 attractions – Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Museum of Modern Art, Madison Square Garden Tour, NBC Studio Tours, New York Aquarium& many others.Free 140-page guidebook in English, German & Spanish, containing hours of operation, maps and directions to every tourist attraction, shop and restaurant.Line skipping privileges(特权)－As a New York Pass holder you are entitled (享有权利) to fast track entry to the New York City ‗s busiest attractions.Over 650 worth of entrance fees －that‘s how much it would cost if you visited all the attractions that New York Pass grants entrance to –without using the New York Pass. That doesn‘t even include the additional discounts you receive for having a NY Pass.100% Risk Free, Money Back Guarantee －New York Pass insurance gives you extra comfort in case your travel plans change, offering refund on non-used Passes.Please Note:You can visit as many attractions as you want －even more with the time saved with fast track entry. You don't need to carry too much cash and the New York Pass keeps control on your spending.New York Pass Prices;Offer Ends : Fri 13 Feb 2009Product Price1 Day Adult Pass $751 Day Child Pass $552 Day Adult Pass $1102 Day Child Pass $903 Day Adult Pass $140 $1123 Day Child Pass $120 $967 Day Adult Pass $180 $1447 Day Child Pass $140 $ 11279. What is the main purpose of this passage?A. To attract tourists to New York.B. To describe how to use the New York Pass.C. To introduce the New Y ork Pass.D. To explain why the New York Pass is created80. What benefit can you get from the New Y ork PassA. You can change your travel plans as you like,B. You can get the free guidebook in four languages.C. You don‘t have to carry cash with youD. You can visit the Statue of Liberty for free.81. Jack and his two kids will visit New York for three days in January in 2009,how much should he pay forthe New York Pass?A. 304B. 380C. 420D. 52082. If the Empire State Building is too crowded, you canA. get the refund from the New York Pass immediatelyB. enter it before others by using the New York PassC. get more discounts and save more moneyD. visit many other attractions as long as you want(五)新闻报道G(CDAB)(NEW YORK) A French tourist highly praised for rescuing a two-year-old girl in Manhattan said he didn't think twice before diving into the freezing East River.Tuesday's Daily News said 29-year-old Julien Duret from France was the man who left the spot quickly after the rescue last Saturday.He lifted the little girl out of the water after she fell off the bank at the South Street Seaport museum. He handed the girl to her father, David Anderson, who had dived in after him.―I didn't think at all,‖ Duret told the Daily News. ―It happened very fast. I reacted very fast.‖Duret, an engineer on vacation, was walking with his girlfriend along the pier (码头) when he saw something falling into the water.He thought it was a doll, but realized it was a child when he approached the river. Immediately, he took off his coat and jumped into the water. When he reached the girl, she appeared lifeless, he said. Fortunately, when she was out of the water, she opened her eyes.Anderson said his daughter slipped off the bank when he was adjusting his camera. An ambulance came later for her, said Duret, who was handed dry clothes from onlookers. Duret caught a taxi with his girlfriend shortly after.The rescue happened on the day before he left for France. Duret said he didn't realize his story of heroism had greatly moved New York until he was leaving the city the next morning. ―I don't really think I'm a hero,‖ said Duret. ―Anyone would do the same thing.‖83. Why was Duret in New Y ork?A. To meet his girlfriendB.To work as an engineerC.To spend his holidayD. To visit the Andersons.84. What did Duret do shortly after the ambulance came?A. He was interviewed by a newspaperB. He asked his girlfriend for his dry clothesC. He went to the hospital in the ambulanceD. He disappeared from the spot quickly85. Who divide after Duret into the river to save the little girl?A. David AndersonB. A passer-byC. His girlfriendD. a taxi driver.86. When was duet most probably found to be the very hero?A. The day when he was leaving for home.B. A couple of days after the girl was rescuedC. The first day when he was in New Y orkD. The same day when he was interviewed.H (ACDBB)BEIJING—Apple Inc. is one step closer to beginning sales of iPad 2 tablet computers with cellular network compatibility (兼容) for the first time in the Chinese mainland, where the consumer - electronics giant is in the midst of an aggressive expansion.According to China's Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center, a device by Apple with third - generation high - speed wireless data capabilities was issued the network access license needed for the company to begin official sales in China. The device, listed under model number ―A1396‖，is compatible with the 3G standard WCDMA, and would work with the cellular network operated by Apple's local iPhone partner, China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd.China Unicom declined to comment.Apple already offers the 3G iPad 2 in Hong Kong through its partners, but currently only offers Wi-Fi versions of the device in the Chinese mainland. Still, consumers in China, which according to research firm IDC surpassed the US as the world's largest PC market in the second quarter, have been purchasing 3G tablets through unofficial channels.Separately, Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said Sept 6 that the company's first Hong Kong store, set to open this quarter, will be located in the city's central shopping and business district in the International Finance Center's upscale (高档的) IFC mall, a commercial center and sightseeing spot along the city's waterfront. Wu also said that Apple is planning a new store in Shanghai later this quarter, which will be its biggest store in China. She declined to give more details or to comment on the 3G iPad 2.Apple currently has four full - service Apple stores in the mainland, which receive the most traffic of any Apple stores in the world. The company otherwise relies on resellers to get its products into the market.The new stores reflect Apple's confidence in rising demand for its products such as smart phones and tablet computers. Sales in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan helped boost (增长) the company's third - quarter results, newly appointed Chief Executive Tim Cook said in July. China revenue (收益) surged (激增) six-fold to about $3.8 billion during the three months ended June 25.―This has been a substantial (重大的) opportunity for Apple and I firmly believe that we're just scratching the surface right now，‖ Cook said at the time, referring to strong sales in China.―I see an incredible opportunity for Apple there.‖From China Daily 2011-09-0887. According to the news, which of the following statements is TRUE?A. WCDMA is not the only 3G standard in the world.B. Apple Inc. sells its products in the market of the Chinese mainland all by its own stores.C. The consumers in China can only get iPad 2 of Wi-Fi versions.D. Chinese mainland is the second largest PC market in this year's second quarter.88. Which of the following phrases can replace the underlined word in Paragraph 1?A. in the interests ofB. in the front ofC. in the process ofD. in the case of89. How many full - service Apple stores in China?A. 4.B. 6.C. 8.D. Unknown.90. What‘s the probable meaning of ―six-fold‖ in the last but one paragraph?A. one- sixthB. six timesC. 60 percentD. 26 times91. By saying ―we're just scratching the surface right now‖，Cook means ________.A. they don't know much about China's marketB. they will sell more products and gain more profit in ChinaC. they need to obtain more permission from China's governmentD. they ignore the rural market in China体验高考之2011山东卷答题卡：56---60__________ 61---65_________ 66---70__________71---75___________得分: _________感悟: _______________________________________________________________________AArthur Miller (1915-2005) is universally recognized as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century. Miller‘s father had moved to the USA from Austria-Hungary, drawn like so many others by the ―Great American Dream‖. However, he experienced severe financial hardship when his family business was ruined in the Great Depression of the early 1930s.Miller‘s most famous play, Death of a Salesman, is a powerful attack on the American system, with its aggressive way of doing business and its insistence on money and social status as indicators of worth. In Willy Loman, the hero of the play, we see a man who has got into trouble with this system. Willy is ―burnt out‖ and in the cruel world of business there is no room for sentiment: if he can‘t do the work, then he is no good to his employer, the Wagner Company, and he must go. Willy is painfully aware of this, and at a loss as to what to do with his lack of success. He refuses to face the fact that he has failed and kills himself in the end.When it was first staged in 1949, the play was greeted with enthusiastic reviews, and it won the Tony Award for Best Play, the New York Drama Critics‘ Circle Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It was the first play to win all three of these major awards.Miller died of heart failure at his home in Roxbury, Connecticut, on the evening of February 10, 2005, the 56th anniversary of the first performance of Death of a Salesman on Broadway.56. Why did Arthur Miller‘s father move to the USA?A. He suffered from severe hunger in his home country.B. He was attracted by the ―Great American Dream.‖C. He hoped to make his son a dramatist.D. His family business failed. 57. The play Death of a Salesman__________.A. exposes the cruelty of the American business worldB. discusses the ways to get promoted in a companyC. talks about the business career of Arthur MillerD. focuses on the skills in doing business58. What can we learn about Willy Loman?A. He treats his employer badly.B. He runs the Wagner Company.C. He is a victim of the American system.D. He is regarded as a hero by his colleagues.59. After it was first staged, Death of a Salesma n________.A. achieved huge successB. won the first Tony AwardC. was warmly welcomed by salesmenD. was severely attacked by dramatists60. What is the text mainly about?A. Arthur Miller and his family.B. The awards Arthur Miller won.C. The hardship Arthur Miller experienced.D. Arthur Miller and his best-known play.BTim Richter and his wife, Linda, had taught for over 30 years near Buffalo, New York---he in computers, she in special education. ―Teaching means everything to us.‖ Tim would say. In April 1998, he learned he would need a heart operation. It was the kind of news that leads to some serious thinking about life‘s purpose.Not long after the surgery, Tim saw a brochure describing Imagination Library, a program started by Dolly Parton‘s foundation (基金会) that mailed a book every month to children from birth to age five in the singer‘s home town of Sevier, Tennessee. ―I thought, maybe Linda and I could do something like this when we retire‖. Tim recalls. He placed the brochure on his desk as a reminder.Five years later, now retired and with that brochure still on the desk, Tim clicked on . The program had been opened up to partners who could take advantage of book and postage discounts.The quality of the books was of great concern to the Richters. Rather than sign up online, they went to Dolly wood for a look-see. ―We didn‘t want to give the children rubbish,‖ says Linda. The books-reviewed each year by teachers, literacy specialists, and Dolly wood board members---included classics such as Ezra。