Simply being quiet is a growing appeal. Lots of business have appeared to meet a rising demand for quiet time, from silent weekend getaways to silent dining, silent reading parties and even silent dating. Silence can mean different things to different people. We are usually silent only with those closest to us. So there is something almost radical(不同凡响的)about the recent trend towards enjoying silence with strangers.
Mariel started a regular silent reading party in Dundee just under a year ago. Readers bring their books and meet in a bar, where they read together in silence for an hour or sometimes two and then put their books away to chat and have a drink. “When the reading party starts, everything goes quiet,” says Mariel, “ It’s a little bit surreal (超现实的), especially in what is usually a noisy bar. However, there is something special about sharing the silence with others. It offers a chance to escape from reality; everyone is so busy with work and with technology being ever present. An event like this gives people the opportunity to escape these things for a while.”
Honi Ryan is an artist based in Berlin who began hosting silent dinner back in 2006. The rules of the dinner are: no talking, no using your voice, no reading or writing, trying to make as little noise as possible, not connecting with technology, and staying for at least two hours. So far she has taken her silent dinner project to Mexico, the US, Australia and China. “It’s evident that the age-old connections we make over food do not depend on the words around it. Silence creates the space for the people and places involved to fill with whatever is needed; it is quite different from our usual social behaviors.”
1.Why have lots of silent businesses appeared?
A.To satisfy people’s demand for silence.
B.To make people get close to each other.
C.To appeal to young people.
D.To change people’s old way of life.
2.What can we learn about Mariel’s silent reading parties?
A.Readers can use their voice while reading.
B.Readers can be busy with their work.
C.Readers can connect with technology.
D.Readers can chat and drink after reading.
3.The underlined word “it” in the last paragraph refers to .
A.noise B.space C.silence D.food
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Escape from Reality. B.Enjoying Being Quiet.
C.Silent Reading Parties. D.Silent Dining Projects.
Travel Journal
Friday
We arrived in Paris on Friday lunchtime and went straight to our apartment. We then went for a walk around our area and realized how close we were to the centre of Paris. It only took us 20 minutes to walk to the Louvre. After a walk around the Tuileries Gardens, we went for afternoon tea in a café called Angelina which has the most delicious hot chocolate. After warming up we then walked along to the big department store Printemps, on the top floor where you get a wonderful view of Paris (this was free). We walked along a street called Grands Boulevards which was beautiful with all its Christmas lights. The shops on this street are famous for their Christmas window displays. In the evening we cooked at the apartment and went to a Scottish pub which was funny as two of my friends are Scottish.
Saturday
In the morning we went for brunch (a meal between breakfast and lunch) at a really cool café called FAB (French American Bakery). We had waffles with bacon and fresh carrot and ginger juice. We found out that we were really close to a chocolate museum, so of course we took a visit--- who doesn’t love chocolate! In the afternoon we went to a Christmas market with unique handmade gifts and crafts. In the evening we ate at a Tunisian restaurant and had roast chicken and vegetable stew with couscous. It was delicious and the restaurant was in a cute little lane.
Sunday
On Sunday we went for breakfast at the same café and we caught our train back home at midday, carrying shopping bags full of lovely presents that we had bought at the Christmas market. We had a great weekend in Paris. Exploring this beautiful city with no plans was an unusual but great idea as we got to do things we wouldn’t normally discover. I highly recommend spending a weekend somewhere trying to be a local!
1.Where did they enjoy the beautiful view of Paris?
A.In a Scottish pub. B.In a department store.
C.In a café called Angelina. D.In the Louvre.
2.What may the Christmas market be famous for?
A.Christmas lights. B.Delicious food.
C.Handmade gifts and crafts. D.Christmas window display.
3.When did they leave Paris according to the text?
A.On Sunday lunchtime. B.On the morning of Saturday.
C.On the morning of Sunday. D.On Friday lunchtime.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What can we learn from the news?
A.Nobody was killed.
B.15 houses were badly damaged.
C.Over 200 people were made homeless.
2.How many people were badly injured in the storm?
A.7. B.9. C.10.
3.What do we know about the farmer?
A.His house was destroyed.
B.One of his children was missing.
C.His wife was hurt by the falling walls.
4.What did the woman do when she saw her house shaking?
A.She tried to take something out.
B.She told her husband not to leave.
C.She rushed out with her children.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How did the man react when he saw the woman dancing?
A.He was annoyed. B.He was inspired.
C.He was surprised.
2.How does the man usually exercise?
A.He likes to ride a bicycle. B.He likes to play soccer.
C.He likes to run.
3.What will the speakers probably do next?
A.Study for a test. B.Go to the gym together.
C.Show each other their moves.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why is the woman so tired?
A.She exercises too much. B.She has a lot to do at work.
C.She watches TV late at night.
2.What does the woman eat for lunch?
A.Nothing. B.A pizza. C.A sandwich.
3.What does the man advise the woman to do?
A.Go to bed earlier. B.Work more hours.
C.Eat a good meal every day.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the woman think is difficult to do every day?
A.Do some cleaning. B.Do some shopping.
C.Do some washing.
2.Where probably are the speakers?
A.At a store. B.At a supermarket.
C.At the woman’s house.
3.What can we infer from the conversation?
A.The woman will do the cleaning herself.
B.The man will help the woman do the cleaning.
C.Neither of them will do the cleaning.
