Jeremy Paxman, however, disagrees with Bryson, arguing that the English weather is by nature attractive. Bryson is wrong, he says, because the English preference for the weather has nothing to do with the natural phenomena.“The interest is less in the phenomena themselves, but in uncertainty.” According to him, the weather in England is very changeable and uncertain and it attracts the English as well as the outsider.
Bryson and Paxman stand for common misconceptions about the weather-speak among the English. Both commentators, somehow, are missing the point. The English weather conversation is not really about the weather at all. English weather-speak is a system of signs, which is developed to help the speakers overcome the natural reserve and actually talk to each other. Everyone knows conversations starting with weather-speak are not requests for weather data. Rather, they are routine greetings, conversation starters or the blank “fillers”. In other words, English weather-speak is a means of social bonding.
1. The author mentions Dr. Johnson’s comment to show that __________.
A. most commentators agree with Dr. Johnson
B. Dr. Johnson is famous for his weather observation
C. the comment was accurate two hundred years ago
D. English conversations usually start with the weather
2. What does the underlined word “obsession” most probably refer to?
A. A social trend.
B. An emotional state.
C. A historical concept.
D. An unknown phenomenon.
3. What is the author’s main purpose of writing the passage?
A. To explain what English weather-speak is about.
B. To analyse misconceptions about the English weather.
C. To find fault with both Bill Bryson and Jeremy Paxman.
D. To convince people that the English weather is changeable.
(重庆卷)Sports can help you keep fit and get in touch with nature. However, whether you are on the mountains, in the waves, or on the grassland, you should be aware that your sport of choice might have great influence on the environment.
Some sports are resource-hungry. Golf, as you may know, eats up not only large areas of countryside, but also tons of water. Besides, all sorts of chemicals and huge amounts of energy are used to keep its courses(球场)in good condition. This causes major environmental effects. For example, in the dry regions of Portugal and Spain, golf is often held responsible for serious water shortage in some local areas.
There are many environment-friendly sports. Power walking is one of them that you could take up today. You don’t need any special equipment except a good pair of shoes; and you don’t have to worry about resources and your purse. Simple and free, power walking can also keep you fit. If you walk regularly, it will be good for your heart and bones. Experts say that 20 minutes of power walking daily can make you feel less anxious, sleep well and have better weight control.
Whatever sport you take up, you can make it greener by using environment-friendly equipment and buying products made from recycled materials. But the final goal should be “green gyms”. They are better replacements for traditional health clubs and modern sports centers. Members of green gyms play sports outdoors, in the countryside or other open spaces. There is no special requirement for you to start your membership. And best of all, it’s free.
1. Which of the following is the author most probably in favor of?
A. Cycling around a lake.
B. Motor racing in the desert.
C. Playing basketball in a gym.
D. Swimming in a sports center.
2. Why does he author use power walking as an example?
A. Because it is an outdoor sport.
B. Because it improves our health.
C. Because it uses fewer resources.
D. Because it is recommended by experts.
3. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?
A. To show us the function of major sports.
B. To encourage us to go in for green sports.
C. To discuss the major influence of popular sports.
D. To introduce different types of environment-friendly sports.