题型:阅读理解 题类:常考题 难易度:普通
上海新世纪版高中英语高二上册Unit 6 The environment同步测试3
Happy birthday! Do birthdays really make people happy? Of course they do. Birthdays celebrate the day we were born. Besides, that extra candle on the cake suggests another year of growth and maturity (成熟)— or so we hope. We all like to imagine that we're getting wiser and not just older. Most of us enjoy seeing the miracle(奇迹) of growth in others, as well. For instance, seeing our children develop and learn new things makes us feel proud. For Americans, like people in most cultures, growing up is a wonderful process(过程). But growing old? That's a different story.
Growing old is not exactly pleasant for people in youth-oriented(以年轻人为中心) American culture. Most Americans like to look young,act young and feel young. As the old saying goes, "You're as young as you feel." Older people joke about how many years young they are, rather than how many years old. People in some countries value the aged as a source of experience and wisdom. But Americans seem to favor those that are young, or at least "young at heart."
Many older Americans find the "golden years" to be anything but golden. Economically, "senior citizens" often struggle just to get by. Retirement(退休) at age 65 brings a sharp decrease in personal income. Social security(安全) benefits usually cannot make up the difference. Older people may suffer from poor nutrition(营养), medical care and housing. Some even experience age discrimination. In 1987, American sociologist Pat Moore dressed up like an older person and wandered city streets. She was often treated rudely — even cheated and robbed. However, dressed as a young person, she received much more respect.
Unfortunately, the elderly population in America is increasing fast. Why? People are living longer. Fewer babies are being born. And middle-aged "baby boomers" are rapidly entering the groups of the elderly. America may soon be a place where wrinkles(皱纹) are "in". Marketing experts are already noticing this growing group of consumers.
Dear Dani, My friend makes up stories about things she has done all the time and other people at school believe her. What should I do? Anna Dani says: Often people make things up because they're worried that they are not interesting. So let your friend know that she doesn't need stories to make friends or impress (给……留下深刻印象) others. Point out that when others discover the truth, they won't be impressed at all. |
Dear Dani, I have two best friends and they're always leaving me out! They never invite me to anything. What can I do? Tom Dani says: Groups of three can be very difficult because one person often gets left out. Your friends may not realize how you feel. Talk to them about this and agree to plan the next outing together. With a bit of effort, a group of three can be a wonderful friendship! |
Dear Dani, I told my friend a secret, but then I found out she told it to somebody else. What can I do? Daisy Dani says: We all make mistakes so give your friend another chance. But tell her that your secret is important to you and that she must not do this again. If your friend finds it hard to keep a secret, be careful what you tell her in future. |
Dear Dani, I'm friends with a boy, but some girls keep laughing at me about it. Can't girls be friends with boys as well? Mary Dani says: Of course girls can be friends with boys. Some girls laugh at this because they don't really know any boys. Carry on enjoying your friendship. If the girls got to know this boy, they might stop teasing you. Why not invite one or two of them along next time you meet him? |
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