Question

【题目】 One of the biggest street parties in the world took over London recently.

The Notting Hill Carnival (嘉年华), which took place from August 28th to 29th, is regarded as the largest street party in Europe.

But in these troubled times – with terrorist attacks and religious ( 宗 教 ) anger on the front page of newspapers – is it suitable to spend the weekend dancing in the streets without a care in the world?

Right now, ―People must stand up for themselves, said Patrick Bulllock, 53, an artist who builds floats (花车) for the parade (游行) each year. ―The smiles and dancing do not stop all weekend – the spirit of the carnival can’t be broken.

The festival, now in its 50th year, started in 1966. But it was much smaller – around 1,000 people attended – and began as a way to bring together the different groups who called London’s Notting Hill their home.

Creator Rhaune Laslett, herself half Native American, half Russian, had the idea for the first gathering after having a vision. ―I could see the streets full of people in brightly colored costumes, they were dancing and following bands and they were happy, she told the Caribbean Times in 1989. ―Men, women, children, black, white, brown, all laughing.

During a period of racial tension (种族冲突), Laslett believed that music and laughter could bring together the different nationalities in her west London neighborhood.

“We felt that although West Indians, Africans, Irish and many other nationalities all live in a very small area, there is very little communication between us,” she explained in an interview in 1966, shortly after the first carnival took place.

Over the years, the party has grown into its modern day form.

"Our participants find themselves in a space of music, color and creativity which brings about the emotion of joy and encourages the freedom to express themselves," said Debora, Alleyne De Gazon, the carnival’s creative director.

However, not everyone wants to join in. "I can’t go out from my door on that day with all the rubbish around," said Fortuoso Cruz, who lives in London.

But when a million people come together for a weekend of eating, laughter and music – forgetting about life’s troubles for 48 hours – perhaps a little rubbish is a price worth paying.

【1】When did the Notting Hill Carnival start?

A.In 1989.B.In 1978.C.In 1966.D.In 1950.

【2】What was Rhaune Laslett’s original purpose when she created the carnival?

A.To show off the neighborhood’s music and dancing.

B.To invite people around the world to have a great party.

C.To encourage people to show their creativity in the street.

D.To allow people in the neighborhood to communicate more.

【3】How does Fortuoso Cruz think of the carnival?

A.It has caused him a lot of trouble.B.It should be canceled immediately.

C.It has brought a lot of fun to his life.D.More people should be invited to take part in it.

【4】Which word best describes the author’s attitude toward the carnival?

A.Refused.B.Supportive.C.Complaining.D.Disappointed.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】D

【3】A

【4】B

【解析】

这篇短文主要讲述了街头派对——狂欢节的兴起和历史。

【1】细节理解题。根据文中The festival, now in its 50th year, started in 1966可知，是在1966年。故选C。

【2】题干“拉斯莱特创作狂欢节的初衷是什么？”细节理解题。根据文中Creator Rhaune Laslett, herself half Native American, half Russian, had the idea for the first gathering after having a vision. ―I could see the streets full of people in brightly colored costumes, they were dancing and following bands and they were happy, she told the Caribbean Times in 1989. ―Men, women, children, black, white, brown, all laughing.可知，让附近的人多交流。故选D。

【3】细节理解题。根据文中However, not everyone wants to join in. ―I can’t go out from my door on that day with all the rubbish around, said Fortuoso Cruz, who lives in London.可知，这给他带来了很多麻烦。故选A。

【4】推理判断题。根据文中But when a million people come together for a weekend of eating, laughter and music – forgetting about life’s troubles for 48 hours – perhaps a little rubbish is a price worth paying.可知，作者是非常支持这个狂欢节的。故选B。