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 like doormen, babysitters, housecleaners , newspaper senders — anyone who has often helped us.

1.What do the underlined words ‘close friends’ mean in the passage?

2.What kind of presents don’t Americans usually open in front of the givers?

3.Why do Americans also give presents to housecleaners at Christmas?

4.Which of the following do you think is right?

5.What is the main idea of the passage?

As you are soon on your way to Eastern Europe, here are a few tips on what you should pack. In general, pack lightly, with only the most basic clothes. People dress casually(随便地) in Eastern Europe, so you don’t need to bring along your smartest clothing.

Batteries: If your camera, flash, or other appliances run on batteries, bring enough supply along. Certain types of batteries don’t exist in Eastern Europe, and those that do often don’t last very long.

Cash: We have found it good to have supply of small-unit U.S. bills($1and $5) to use in hard–currency stores, to buy international train tickets, etc. The hard–currency stores never seem to have the right change.

Electric Current Adapter(转换器): If you bring any appliances, remember that the electricity in Eastern Europe uses 220 volts A.C., not the standard 110 volts of North America. A 110 volts appliance will soon burn out when attached to an unchanged 220-volt plug.

Language Tools: One of Europe’s biggest challenges is communicating with the local people since their languages are so different from our own. To help overcome difficulties, you might buy phrasebooks before you go — you won’t find them once you are in Eastern Europe.

Money Belt: A money belt is especially helpful when you have many documents to carry around ( as you always do in Eastern Europe). The best one we find is made by Eagle Greek Travel Gear, 143 Cedros Ave. (P. O. box 651), Solona Beach, CA 92075 (tel. 619/755 – 9399, or toll free 800/874 – 9925) outside California.

Traveler’s Checks: These are necessary. Bring your traveler’s checks in small to medium unit ($10, $20, or $50) to change a little bit at a time, so as not to be left with a lot of local money. To be on the safe side, be sure to copy down the check numbers in two places, just in case something happens to the checks.

1.How many tips are mentioned in the passage?

A．6                B．7                C．8                D．9

2.Which of the following things may be the biggest challenge in Eastern Europe?

A．Appliances.        B．Money.           C．Language.         D．Clothes.

3.Which of the following statements is NOT a fact according to the passage?

A. No shop in Eastern Europe accepts hard currency.

B. Travelers may need to carry many documents in Eastern Europe.

C. The electricity in Eastern Europe uses 220 volts A.C.

D. Eastern European languages can be a problem to foreign travelers.

4.What’s the writer’s purpose of writing this passage?

A．To tell you it’s not easy to stay in Eastern Europe.

B．To give you some advice on what you should pack when you’re in Eastern Europe.

C．To tell you something about the life in Eastern Europe.

D．To show you the life in Eastern Europe is different from that in your country.

5.What do the underlined words “change” and “check” probably mean according to the given dictionary entries(词条)?

change

1. [V] to become different 改变；变化

2. [V] to exchange money into the money of another country 兑换

3. [U] the money that you get back when you have paid for sth giving more money than the amount it costs 找给的零钱；找头

check

1. [V] to examine sth to see if it is correct, safe or acceptable 检查；审查

2. [C] an act of making sure that sth is safe, correct or in good condition by examining it 检查；查看

3. [C] a printed form that you can write on and sign as a way of paying for sth instead of using money 支票

A．1; 3              B．3; 3              C．2; 3              D．2; 2

The human brain weighs about 1.4 kilograms, but it can hold much more information than most computers. However, there is another difference between humans and computers. Computers don't forget information they are given, but humans often do. No one remembers everything, and luckily we don't usually have to. But everyone can improve their memory if they want to. Here are some suggestions.

◆Try to use new informati6n immediately. For example, if you meet someone who says "Hi! I'm Carlos," don't just say "Hello." Repeat the person's name. Say"___________"

◆Break a big number into smaller parts. For example, it's hard to memorize (记忆) 109244153. But if you break it into three parts--109/244/153—it becomes easier.

◆Write out what you need to remember ever and over again. This will help you keep it in mind longer, especially for memorizing formulas (公式) or facts.

◆Always review information. If you bring what you've learned back to your mind, they become easier to remember. For example, before you go to sleep, it’s a good idea to review the new things you learned that clay.

◆Discuss with a friend. It is always easier to remember things through discussions. You can have a discussion about what's right and what's wrong, and it will lead to the right answer.

◆Never tell yourself that you have a bad memory. You can always do something to help improve your memory. And everyone's memory gets better if they use it often enough.

All of the suggestions are helpful. If you follow them, you are certain to improve your memory.

1.Which should be put in the blank (空格) in Paragraph 2？

A. Hello, Carlos. B. How do you do?

C. Hello, I am Sophia.  D. Glad to meet you!

2.What can help memorize a big number more easily according to the passage?

A. To store it in a computer.

B. To break it into smaller parts.

C. To discuss it with a friend.

D. To review it before you sleep.

3.Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A. Discussing with friends can help you remember things.

B. Always reviewing information can help you fall asleep.

C. Formulas and facts can help you learn about your brain.

D. Human beings can improve their memory by computer.

4.What does the sentence "Never tell yourself that you have a bad memory” mean?

A. You should tell others about your bad memory.

B. You should believe in other people all the time.

C. You should ask others to improve their memory.

D. You should have confidence in your memory ability.

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 like doormen, babysitters, housecleaners , newspaper senders — anyone who has often helped us.
【小题1】What do the underlined words ‘close friends’ mean in the passage?