A simple piece of clothesline hangs between some environmentally friendly Americans and their neighbors.
On one side stand those who see clothes dryers(干衣机) as a waste of energy and a major polluter of the environment. As a result, they are turning to clotheslines as part of the “what-I –can do environmentalism(环境保护主义).”
On the other side are people who are against drying clothes outside, arguing that clotheslines are unpleasant to look at. They have persuaded Homeowners Associations (HOAs) access the U.S. to ban outdoor clotheslines, because clothesline drying also tends to lower home value in the neighborhood. This had led to a Right-to-Dry Movement that is calling for laws to be passed to protect people’s right to use clotheslines.
So far, only three states have laws to protect clothesline. Right-to-Dry supporters argue that there should be move.
Matt Reck, 37, is the kind of eco-conscious(有生态意识的) person who feeds his trees with bathwater and reuses water drops from his air conditioners to water plants. His family also uses a clothesline. But on July 9, 2007, the HOA in Wake Forest, North Carolina, told him that a dissatisfied neighlzir had telephoned them about him clothesline. The Recks paid no attention to the warming and still dried their clothes on a line in the yard. “Many people say they are environmentally friendly but they don’t take matters in their own hands,” says Reck. The local HOA has decided not to take any action, unless more neighbors come to them.
North Carolina lawmakers are saying that banning clotheslines is not the right thing to do. But HOAs and housing businesses believe that clothesline drying reminds people of poor neighborhoods. They worry that if buyers think their future neighbors can’t even afford dryers, housing prices will fall.
Environmentalists say such worries are not necessary, and in view of global warming, that idea needs to change. As they say, “The clothesline is beautiful”. Hanging clothes outside should be encouraged. We all have to do at least something to slow down the process of global warming.”
【小题1】One of the reasons why supporters of clothes dryers are trying to ban clothesline drying is that ____.

A.clothes dryers are more efficientB.clothesline drying reduces home value
C.clothes dryers are energy-savingD.clothesline drying is not allowed in most U.S. states
【小题2】Which of the following best describes Matt Reck?
A.He is a kind-hearted man.B.He is an impolite man.
C.He is and experienced gardener.D.He is a man of social responsibility.
【小题3】Who are in favor of clothesline drying?
A.housing businesses.B.Environmentalists.
C.Homeowners Associations.D.Reck’s dissatisfied neighbors.
【小题4】What is mainly discussed in the text?
A.Clothesline drying: a way to save energy and money.
B.Clothesline drying: a lost art rediscovered.
C.Opposite opinions on clothesline drying.
D.Different varieties of clotheslines.

四、阅读理解:(共20小题;每小题1.5分,满分30分)

A

Steve and Yaser first met in their chemistry class at an American university. Yaser was an international student from Jordan. He was excited to get to know an American. He wanted to learn more about American culture. Yaser hoped that he and Steve would become good friends.

At first, Steve seemed very friendly. He always greeted Yaser warmly before class. Sometimes he offered to study with Yaser. He even invited Yaser to have lunch with him. But after the term was over, Steve seemed more distant. The two former(以前的) classmates didn’t see each other very much at school. One day Yaser decided to call Steve. steve didn’t seem very interested in talking to him. Yaser was hurt by Steve’s change of attitude. “Steve said we were friends,” Yaser complained. “And I thought friends were friends forever.”

Yaser is a little confused. He is an outsider(局外人) to American culture. He doesn’t understand the way Americans view friendship. americans use the word “friend” in a very general way. They may call both casual acquaintaneces(熟人) and close companions(伙伴) “friends”. americans have school friends, work friends, sports friends and neighborhood friends. These friendships are based on common interests.

Studies show that one out of five American families moves every year. American frienships develop quckly, and they may change just as quickly.

People from the United States may at first seem friendly. Americans often chat easily with strangers. They exchange information about their families, hobbies and work. They may smile warmly and say, “Have a nice day.” or “see you later.” schoolmates may say, “Let’s get together sometime.” But American friendliness is not always an offer of true friendship.

41. Why didn’t Yaser understand Steve was more was more distant with him when they were no longer in the same class?

A. Because Steve no longer likes Yaser.

B. Because they couldn’t see each other.

C. Because Yaser didn’t know american culture about friendship.

D. Because Yaer was a foreigner.

42. From the text we can find that American friendships ________.

A. develop quickly but change slowly           B. develop slowly and change slowly

C. develop slowly but change quickly           D. develop and change quickly

43. From the text we may know that Americans are ________.

A. kind               B. rude              C. sad               D. impolite

44. If you no longer work with an american, what should you do with your friendship?

A. Try your best to keep it.                    B. Avoid meeting your workmates.

C. Let it be.                                D. worry about it.

 

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