Question

    What inspires you to work hard? Having your own goals is important. Good sleep also helps. But as it turns out, having a plant on your desk can improve your work as well.

Mike Robinson, an engineer from Canada, owns his own small company. One day, his wife suggested picking out some plants and putting them on his workers’ desks.

Robinson doubted the idea at first. What good would plants do? He thought they might even be distracting（让人分心的). But he decided to try out the idea.

First, Robinson bought 20 plants for his workers. He asked each worker to make a small sign that said ―My name is___ and write their own name on the sign. Then, they put the sign on the plant they chose and took it back to their desk. Soon Robinson found that his workers were working much harder and getting along much better than before. It could because his workers formed ―friendships" with their plants. They would take good care of them, and in turn, take more care with their work. Plants can help to create a relaxed atmosphere（氛围）as well.

What about you? Does your classroom have any plants? If not, you might want to ask your teacher about this.

You and your classmates could take turns taking care of some plants in your classroom? It could be a nice way to make your classroom more lively and get to know your classmates even better.

1.The story is mainly about_______.

A.how to get inspiration for your work.

B.how having a goal helps with your work.

C.why good sleep is important for your work

D.how plants can improve your work

2.What did Robinson think of his wife’s suggestion at first?

A.His company was too small to do it.

B.He didn’t think it would be different.

C.He thought it would cost too much money.

D.He didn’t want to try it.

3.What did the workers write on their signs?

A.Robinson’s name. B.Their plant’s name.

C.Their company’s name. D.Their own names.

4.Why did the workers work harder and get along much better than before?

A.Because Robinson gave them much more money than before.

B.Because looking after plants helped them take more care with their work.

C.Because the plants helped the workers become good friends with each other.

D.Because Robinson’s wife helped create a relaxed atmosphere for the workers.

5.In the writer’s opinion, having plants in the classroom______.

A.creates a crowded atmosphere

B.takes up too much time

C.helps students build good friendships

D.distracts students from their studies

Answer

1.D

2.B

3.D

4.B

5.C

【解析】

文章大意：文章主要讲的是植物是怎样帮助人们改善工作的。

1.细节理解题。根据文章第一段第二行“But as it turns out, having a plant on your desk can improve your work as well”“但事实证明，在办公桌上放一棵植物也能改善你的工作。”可知，文章主要讲的是植物怎样改善你的工作，故选D。

2.细节理解题。根据文章第三段“Robinson doubted the idea at first……the idea.”“罗宾逊起初对这个想法表示怀疑。植物有什么好处？他认为它们甚至可能会分散注意力。但他决定试试这个主意。”可知，罗宾逊先生起初认为妻子的建议不会有什么改善，故选B。

3.细节理解题。根据文章第四段第一、二行“He asked each worker ……write their own name on the sign”“他让每个工人做一个小牌子，上面写着“我的名字是”，并在牌子上写上他们自己的名字。”可知，工人们在牌子上写的自己的名字，故选D。

4.细节理解题。根据文章第四段的第四、五、六行“It could because his workers formed ……care with their work”“这可能是因为他的工人与他们的植物结成了“友谊”。他们会好好照顾他们，反过来，也会更加注意他们的工作。”可知，因为照顾植物有助于他们更加注意自己的工作。故选B。

5.细节理解题。根据文章最后一段“You and your classmates could take turns…… your classmates even better”“你和你的同学可以轮流照看你教室里的一些植物吗？这可能是一个很好的方式，使你的课堂更生动，了解你的同学甚至更好。”可知，作者认为教室里有植物可以帮助学生们建立好的友谊，故选C。