Except for a few times, Americans are not big present-givers. There's no exchange of presents among business people, and if one American tries to give another a present, it may look like that he wants to bribe (贿赂) him. Americans have learned that in some other countries people like to give presents to others, but among ourselves we don't see the need for presents.

　　Even friends may never exchange presents. When I go to foreign countries, I try to bring back little things for close friends, but nobody would feel unhappy if I didn't. I don't often remember a friend's birthday, and few people outside of my family remember mine. If someone gave me presents too often, I'd get unpleasant. But a present from a foreigner - that kind from his or her homeland — won't go wrong, except to government employees (政府职员) who can't be given presents.

　　You usually open a present at once and in front of the person who gives it except Christmas and birthday presents. You should only say, "It's so nice. Thanks…" when you get Christmas or birthday presents.

　　You may want to bring a bottle of wine (葡萄酒) or flowers to a dinner party, but you're never asked to. Nobody will mind if you bring wine, but your friend may not use it that evening.

　　At Christmas we often give presents to our family and sometimes our friends. We also give presents to people who have been helpful during the year- doormen, babysitters, housecleaners, newspaper senders— anyone who has often helped us.

(　 )11. What does "close friends" mean in the passage?

　　A. The friends who are very kind.

　　B. The friends who live close to each other.

　　C. The friends who were once classmates.

　　D.　The friends who you like most.

(　 )12. What kind of presents don't Americans usually open in front of the givers?

　　A. The small presents.　　　　　 　 B. Christmas or birthday presents.

　　C.　The expensive presents.　　　　 D.　The presents for dinner party.

(　 )13. Why do Americans also give presents to housecleaners at Christmas?

　　A.　To pay them.　　　　　　　　 B.　To help them.

　　C.　To thank them.　　　　　　 　　 D.　To make them work harder.

(　 )14. Which of the following do you think is right?

　　A. American business people don't want presents because they are rich enough.

　　B. The writer of this passage must be an American.

　　C. Everyone must give presents to one's family and friends at Christmas.

　　D. Government employees can get little presents from a foreigner.

(　 )15. What is the main idea of the passage?

　　A. Present-giving in the United States.

　　B. Customs (习俗) in the United States.

　　C. American people and present-giving.

　　D. When and how to give presents.

Jack Johnson is one of the most popular singer-song writers in the world.

  Jack was born on May 18, 1975 in Hawaii. Being the son of a famous surfer, Jack naturally has an interest in surfing. Most of his life lesson were learned in the water. At the age of 17, Jack entered the finals of the Pineline Masters – the world’s most famous surfing competition. Everyone thought Jack would become a professional surfing like his father. Unluckily, one month later, he had a deadly accident while surfing and was seriously hurt.

Life is like a revolving door. When it closes, it also opens. Jack started to practice playing the guitar and write songs when he was staying in hospital. At first, his father thought Jack only did it for fun, but soon he was surprised at the great progress his son had made.

When studying in the university, Jack didn’t stop practicing his guitar skills. He played the guitar for school parties. He wrote songs and sang for his teachers and friends. They liked his songs. His first music album Brushfire Fairytales came out in 2001. It was a great success. His second album, On and On, was much like his first. They were filled with sweet, easy-going songs that everybody liked listening to. Later Jack had lots of concerts in and out of America. He became popular all over the world.

Jack had five albums by 2010 and more than 15 million copies of them were sold. His music doesn’t fall into any of the popular music styles like pop, R&B or hip-hop. It is more like folk music, played with a guitar and beautiful voice. When listening to his songs, you feel like lying on the beach enjoying the warm sunshine.

Jack is a talent, though he himself says he is only a surfer who loves music. In his songs we can find his secret of success: Whatever happen in our lives, we have to accept it and do the best we can.

1.At the age of 17, Jack __________.

A. had his first music album   B. took part in a surfing competition

C. had his first concert   D. became popular all over the world

2.Jack started to write songs ___________.

A. while he was staying in hospital   B. when he had concerts out of America

C. after his second album came out   D. after he played the guitar at the school party

3.What is the secret of Jack’s success?

A.     He was born in Hawaii.

B.     His father was very famous

C.     He wrote many songs for his teachers and friends.

D.     He always faced difficulties bravely and tried his best.

4. What’s the best title for the passage?

A. A Famous Writer   B. Surfing in the Sea

C. A Guitar Player   D. Surfing in the Music