“Time is a problem for children,” states a news report for a new Swiss watch. Children in some countries “learn time slowly” because “they don’t wear watches” and “parents don’t really know how to teach them time.” The children grow up with this handicap and become adults-and then can’t get to work on time. Is there an answer to this problem? Of course-it’s the Flick Flak, made by a famous Swiss watch company.
The Flick Flak is being marketed as something teaching watch for children aged 4 to 10. The watch itself does not teach children how to tell time, of course; it merely “takes their imagination” by presenting the “hour” hand as a beautiful red girl named Flak and the “minute” hand as a tall blue boy named Flick. Flick points to related “blue” minutes on the dial, while Flak points to “red” hour numbers. The characters and colors combined with parental help, are supposed to teach young children how to tell time.
The watch comes equipped with a standard battery and a nylon band (尼龙表带). Peter Lipkin, the United States sales manager for the Flick Flak, calls it “childproof: if it gets dirty you can throw the whole watch in the washing machine.” The product is being sold in select department stores in Europe, Asia and the United States for a suggested price of $25. Parents who buy the watch may discover that it is one thing to tell time; it’s quite another for them to be on time.
【小题1】From the news report we know that ______.

I didn’t realize how short I was until I started school. There, a few kids picked on(欺负)me, calling me names. Then I knew. After that, I began to hate the first day of school each year. I didn’t know who was new and would stare at me as I struggled to climb the school bus stairs. Some of the kids would point and say, “Look at that kid. Look at her.”

As time went on, I just tried to smile and accept the fact that I was going to be noticed my whole life. I was determined to make my uniqueness an advantage rather than a disadvantage. My friends became increasingly protective. They’d help me up the bus steps. If people were cruel, they would take them aside and correct them.

What I lacked in height, I made up for in personality----my ability to laugh, even at myself. For example, one time I was reaching into the washing machine at my parents’ house to grab the wet clothes. I fell all the way in and yell for Mother, who was sitting nearby reading the paper. Watching feet flying everywhere, she laughed quietly and said, “I should leave you in there.” I laughed with her.

I’m 47 now, and the stares have not decreased as I’ve grown older. People ask my friends if I live in a dollhouse. They look in disbelief when they see me get out of my car on the driver’s side. During those times, I try to keep a good attitude. When people are rude, I remind myself, “Look what else I have----a great family, nice friends…”

What is the main idea of the second and third paragraphs?

A. How the writer changed her disadvantage to advantage.

B. The writer’s friends and mother loved her deeply.

C. The writer had many friends helping her.

D. The writer had the ability to laugh.

By saying “the stares have not decreased” in the last paragraph, the author suggests that____.

A. she is able to live a happy life like a normal person

B. she isn’t afraid of being noticed by others any more

C. some people still don’t treat her as a normal person

D. more and more people treat her with respect now

How is the author feeling now about her situation?

A. Quite optimistic.

B. Very satisfied.

C. Deeply upset.

D. Rather anxious.

We can infer that the author believes that_________.

A. society should help the disabled as much as possible

B. only your parents and friends can help you

C. what people say about you is none of your business

D. all people should be treated with respect

I was much disappointed to see the washing-machine I had______the other day went wrong again.

A.repaired it                        B.repaired

C.it repaired                        D.to be repaired

The washing machine is environmentally friendly because it uses ___ water and electricity than ___ models.

A. less…older       B. less…elder       C. fewer…older      D. fewer…elder

Mrs. Smith was much disappointed to find the washing machine she had had _______ went wrong again.

1. A.
   it
2. B.
   repaired
3. C.
   it repaired
4. D.
   to be repaired