There seems to be a general assumption that brilliant people cannot stand routine ; that they need a varied , exciting life in order to do their best . It is also assumed that dull people are particularly suited for dull work . We are told that the reason the present-day young complain so loudly about the dullness of jobs is that they are better educated and brighter than the young of the past .

Actually , there is no evidence that people who achieve a lot desire , let alone live , colorful lives . The opposite is nearer the truth . Einstein worked out his theory of relativity while serving as a clerk in a Swiss patent office . Immanuel Kant’s(康德)daily life was a dull routine . The housewives of Konigsberg set their clocks when they saw him pass , on his way to the university . He took the same walk each morning , rain or shine . The greatest distance Kant ever traveled was sixty miles from Konigsberg .

It may be true that work on the assembly line(流水线)dulls the abilities and empties the mind , and the cure is only fewer hours of work at higher pay . But during fifty years as a workingman , I have found dull routine coexisting with an active mind . While doing dull , repetitive work by the water , I could talk with my partners and compose sentences in my mind , all at the same time . Chances are that had my work been too interesting I could not have done any thinking and composing at work or even on my own time after returning from work .

People who find dull jobs unbearable are often dull people who do not know what to do with themselves at leisure . Children and mature people will get used to dull routine , while the adolescent , who has lost the child’s ability for concentration and is without the inner resources of the mature , needs excitement and novelty to get rid of boredom .

1. It can be inferred from Paragraph 2 that __________ .

A. great minds hate to live colorful lives

B. Einstein worked out his theory in a university

C. Kant only took the same walk on rainy and sunny days

D. Kant might pass Konigsberg every day at the same time

2.How does the author feel about his repetitive work by the water ?

A. It made his mind empty .

B. It was well-paid but too demanding .

C. It worked well with his active mind .

D. It was too interesting to think of anything else .

3.The reasons why youngsters dislike dull work include the following EXCEPT that they __________ .

A. are not mature enough

B. think themselves smart

C. often complain about others

D. don’t know how to spend spare time

4.What is the purpose of the passage ?

A. To argue for the benefits of dull work .

B. To present some facts about dull work .

C. To share his own dull working experience .

D. To persuade young people to live a dull life .

根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填人空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

___1.____ Most start with small talk on a random day. Asking about the homework in class or complaining about your tired legs after playing in a soccer game, you found your best pal by accident. The following is a four-step guide to making small talk.

1. Getting started

Begin by talking about the surroundings, such as the weather outside or the room you are in. _____2._____.

2. Looking for topics

At this point, you and your conversation partner need to find common ground. This is a good time to ask questions or to refer back to things you’ve said or heard earlier. ____3.____The other person is probably just thinking of something to say.

3. Expanding the topic

The goal is to keep the conversation going. At every stage, you should be careful not to talk too much. But don’t let the other person dominate (支配) the conversation either. ____4._____

4. Ending politely

When ending a conversation, let the person know you’ll be leaving soon, express appreciation for the conversation and set the stage for a future conversation. For example, you could say, “I really must be going soon, but I had a great time chatting with you. ____5.___ Here’s my phone number. Call or text me if you know of any other movies you think I might enjoy.”

A. Don’t worry if it gets quiet.

B. How did your friendships begin?

C. Small talk is where all your relationships begin.

D. It’s important to mention something about yourself.

E. I really liked hearing your opinion about that new movie.

F. The purpose is to show the other person that you are willing to make a conversation.

G. If that starts to happen, mention something about yourself when he or she takes a breath

根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

Do’s and Don’ts of Donating

Giving away your unused or unwanted stuff if a great way to make space in your home for the items that you do enjoy on a regular basis. __1._ Here are 10 do’s and don’ts of donating your belongings.

Do Prepare Your Clothes.

You’re thoroughly cleaned out your closet and drawers, and have a mountain of clothing waiting to be donated. Before you bag up these pieces, inspect(检查) each one to ensure that they’re in good condition. Make sure all buttons are accounted for, and that you can’t see any stains(污点). ___2.__.

Don’t Donate Damaged Items.

The number one rule of donating your stuff is to make sure that it’s in good condition. Don’t pass along clothes or furniture with rips(裂口) or stains, chipped dishes, books that are missing pages, or toys with lost pieces. __3.__ Find a local company that will recycle these items instead.

Do Donate More than Just Clothes.

_4.__ Stuffed animals, framed pictures, unused candles, small power tools, sports equipment, ornaments, baskets, blender, dishes, glassware, utensils, silverware, pots and pan, curtains, blankets, toasters, mixers, pillows, towels, bed sheets, bikes, and exercise equipment are much sought after donations.

_5._

With a little common sense it’s easy to figure out items that are ideal for donations. But unfortunately some people will throw away the contents of their home without a second thought. As a gentle reminder, it’s never a good idea to donate car parts, flammable products, construction materials, weapons, or explosives.

A. Nobody wants to inherit (接手) your damaged belongings.

B. Food donations are always in need.

C. Don’t Even Think of Donating These Items.

D. Not sure where to start?

E. Don’t Donate Large Appliances(器材).

F. Clothes aren’t the only household items that can be donated.

G. Wash the items to make them fresh and ready for their new owner.

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