Question

The issue of privacy versus openness is a paradox, particularly when it comes to the American home. “Lots” or “yards” (gardens) can be large and many are not enclosed by the walls, fences or hedges so popular in other cultures. Similarly, “window treatments” frame the window. but the use of European-style net curtains to screen out nosy neighbors is rare. In the same style, first-time visitors to an American home may be proudly given the full tour; even walk-in closets and en suite bathrooms are not considered off-limits. They may also be encouraged to help themselves to a soda from the fridge. All this gives an impression of openness.

    Yet Americans do value their personal space and privacy. A Brazilian expatriate (侨民) who dropped in on her usually friendly Connecticut neighbors unannounced got the clear impression she should have called first. Similarly while a typical suburban home features large, shared areas, such as an open-plan kitchen and family room or “den”, ample private space is also allowed in the floor plan. A visit to a family home in the evening would likely find the family members dispersed, each independently watching TV, on the phone, surfing the Internet, or otherwise recharging batteries in the privacy of their own bedroom.

    American individualism, expansiveness, and abundance are expressed in lifestyle. Despite the fact that the average household size has declined over the past thirty years from3.1 people to 2.6 people per household, the average size of a new family home increased during the same period from 1,500 to 2,200 square feet.

    A common observation is just how outsized everything is. The beds are king-sized, the TVs have giant screens, the burgers are “whoppers (庞然大物),” appliances are “industrial” size. The largest popcorn or soda at the movies can be “supersized.” Closets are “walk in,” and some cars are the size of a military vehicle.

1.The passage suggests that Americans__________.

A. are rich enough to afford large size houses and luxurious electricity appliances

B. are very shy when talking about keeping their privacy and their personal space

C. would like to express their lifestyles in public to show them off

D. enjoy openness as well as individualism although they seem to contradict each other

2.Why can we say that American individualism, expansiveness, and abundance are expressed in their lifestyle?

A. Because the average size of a new house has increased during the past thirty years.

B. Because Americans often use European-style net curtains to screen out nosy neighbors.

C. Because many houses are equipped with walk-in closets.

D. Because the house size, outsized household furniture and independent living habits have proved it.

3.The underlined phrase in the passage means________.

A. filling a battery with electrical power

B. recovering your strength and energy by resting for a while

C. changing your batteries again

D. obtaining new batteries because old ones are running out

4.According to the passage, if you drop in on an American family which is usually friendly to you in the evening, you________.

A. will be deeply impressed by their family get-together scene

B. will be invited to a party which is well-prepared

C. will find family members scattered, and enjoying themselves individually

D. will be warmly welcomed even if they don’t get informed of your visit earlier

 

Answer 1

【答案】

 

1.D

2.D

3.B

4.C

【解析】

试题分析：隐私权与开放性问题是一个悖论，这在美国人身上表现得淋漓尽致。然而，美国人就是美国人，他们还是看重他们的个人空间和隐私。本文围绕这个问题展开了议论。

1.D推理判断题。根据文章第一句话“The issue of privacy versus openness is a paradox, particularly when it comes to the American home.(隐私权与开放性问题是一个悖论，尤其是谈到美国家庭)”可以推知D选项正确。

2.D推理判断题。根据最后两段可以推断D选项正确。美国人在独立性、夸张性和丰富性在生活

上的具体表现为：household size，A common observation is just how outsized everything is等。

3.B词义猜测题。“recharging batteries”的原意是“给电池再充电”，这儿用其转意“休息一会儿

恢复你的体力和精力”。跟上文联系起来就可以知道该词组与“休息有关”。晚上去美国家庭拜访你可能会

发现家庭成员分开各有各的事：看电视的有，打电话的有，上网的有。要么还有在自己房间里休息以恢复

体力和精力的。故B选项正确

4.C推理判断题。根据上题的分析，我们可以知道“晚上美国家庭成员分散开来，各自享受生活”。故C选项正确。

 考点：社会文化类阅读理解