—What shall we do now? —_______ it’s raining hard, let’s stay at home.
A. So B. Since C. Though D. If
What do you think Americans in the early twentieth century (1900--1925) did on weekends? What do they do on weekends now?
Then Once upon a time, people spent lots of time at home on weekends. Then, new inventions changed the weekends. People used electric(电动的) streetcars to travel in cities. On weekends, they rode the streetcars to parks. Young people liked roller coasters. The first movie lasted only one minute. Soon movies lasted longer. In the 1920s, movie theaters sold millions of tickets each week. In 1927, movies had sound. Sometimes, people stayed at home instead, and listened to another new invention — radio. People in cities worked indoors during the week, so they wanted to be outdoors on weekends. Bicycling became a popular activity. |
Now With more time, money and inventions, people have many more choices. They can visit large parks like Disney World and ride modern roller coasters that go higher and faster than ever before. They can choose from lots of different movies at a multiplex (a building with many movie theaters) or watch a video at home. Many people jog, bicycle, work out at the gym, or play sports. Others turn on their TV and watch sports. |
1.Which of the following do you know is the newest invention now?
A. Radio B. Bicycle C. Movie D. Video
2. What do you know about the first movie?
A. It had no sound. B. It got longer.
C. It sold well. D. It lasted minutes.
3.Which is the best title of the text?
A. Many More Choices
B. The New Invention
C. The Popular Activities
D. The Changing Weekend
任务型阅读 认真阅读下面短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入最恰当的单词。注意：每空格1个单词。
Country music is a kind of modern-day pop music, originated (起源) in the southern United States and Appalachia mountains. The singers usually play the guitar, and in the 1920s they started using electric guitars. Nowadays people use the violin, banjo, and slide-guitar as well.
The music at the very beginning was generally very smooth, beautiful and the phrasing structure (句法结构) also was simple. In the 1950s, American country music was about other things, for example, love and money. In the 1960s, songs were often full of anger, and some of them made fun of the political (政治的) leaders. During the 1990s, American country music became more and more popular. Song writers were no longer writing about the modern values of the USA—money, success or expensive things to buy. Instead they were writing once more about things that were usual for everyone.
Today country music has become a big business. It brings in a lot of money. Now, it has reached all parts of the States, from Los Angeles in the west to New York in the east. It remains much the same as before. One subject is “the good old days”. In “the good old days” people praised each other. They believed that the best things in life were free: sunshine, laughing, walks in the beauty of the country, friends and music.
Country music
Passage outline | Supporting details | |
Origins | the traditional music in the southern United States and Appalachia mountains | |
1. | guitars, violins, banjos, and slide-guitars | |
Subjects in different 2. | 1950s | 3. in love with somebody or losing a boyfriend or a girlfriend money was also thought to be important |
1960s | were often full of anger often played 4. on political leaders | |
1990s | feeling lonely in the modern world the value of having good friends | |
Today | remains much the same as before | |
For example, in “the good old days”, people praised each other and loved life in the 5. air. | ||