American cities are similar to other cities around the world: In every country, cities reflect the values of the culture, American cities are changing, just as American society is changing.
After World War II, the population of most large American cities decreased; however, the population in many Sun Belt cities increased. Los Angeles and Houston are cities where population shifts(转移)to and from the city reflect the changing values of American society. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, city residents(居民) became wealthier. They had more children so they needed more space. They moved out of their apartments in the city to buy their own homes. They bought houses in the suburbs(郊区).
Now things are changing. The children of the people who left the cities in the 1950s are now adults. Many, unlike their parents, want to live in the cities. They continue to move to Sun Belt cities and older ones of the Northeast and Midwest. Many young professionals are moving back into the city. They prefer the city to the suburbs because their jobs are there; or they just enjoy the excitement and possibilities that the city offers.
This population shift is bringing problems as well as benefits. Countless poor people must leave their apartments in the city because the owners want to sell the buildings or make apartments for
sale instead of for rent. In the 1950s, many poor people did not have enough money to move to the suburbs; now many of these same people do not have enough money to stay in the cities.
Only a few years ago, people thought that the older American cities were dying. Some city residents now see a bright, new future. Others see only problems and conflicts. One thing is sure: many dying cities are alive again.
1.What does the author think of cities all over the world?
A. They are alive B. They are hopeless
C. They are similar D .They are different
2. Why did American city residents want to live in the suburbs after World War II?
A. Because older American cities were dying
B. Because they were richer and needed more space
C. Because cities contained the worst parts of society
D. Because they could hardly afford to live in the city
3. According to the 4th paragraph, a great many poor people in American cities .
A. are faced with housing problems B. are forced to move to the suburbs
C. want to sell their buildings D. need more money for daily expenses
4.We can conclude from the text that .
A. American cities are changing for the worse
B. people have different views on American cities
C. many people are now moving from American cities
D. the population is decreasing in older American cities
I will never forget the year I was about twelve years old. My mother told us that we would not be 36 Christmas gifts because there was not enough money. I felt sad and thought, “What would I say when the other kids asked what I’d 37 ?” Just when I started to 38 that there would not be a Christmas that year, three women 39 at our house with gifts for all of us. For me they brought a doll. I felt such a sense of 40 that I would no longer have to be embarrassed when I returned to school. I wasn’t 41 . Somebody had thought 42 of me to bring me a gift.
Years later, when I stood in the kitchen of my new house, thinking how I wanted to make my 43 Christmas there special and memorable, I 44 remembered the women’s visit. I decided that I wanted to create that same feeling of 45 for as many children as I could possibly reach.
So I 46 a plan and gathered forty people from my company to help. We gathered about 125 orphans(孤儿) at the Christmas party. For every child, we wrapped colorful packages filled with toys, clothes, and school supplies, 47 with a child’s name. We wanted all of them to know they were 48 . Before I called out their names and handed them their gifts. I 49 them that they couldn’t open their presents 50 every child had come forward. Finally the 51 they had been waiting for came as I called out, “One, two, three . Open your presents!” As the children opened their packages, their faces beamed and their bright smiles 52 up the room. The 53 in the room was obvious, and 54 wasn’t just about toys. It was a feeling—the feeling I knew 55 that Christmas so long ago when the women came to visit. I wasn’t forgotten. Somebody thought of me. I matter.
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10.A. strength B. independence C. importance D. safety
11.A. kept up with B. caught up with C.came up with D. put up with
12.A. none B. few C. some D. each
13.A. fine B. special C. helpful D. normal
14.A. reminded B. guaranteed C. convinced D. promised
15.A.after B. until C. when D. since
16.A.chance B. gift C. moment D. reward
17.A. lit B. took C. burned D. cheered
18.A.atmosphere B. sympathy C. calmness D. joy
19.A. it B. such C. something D. everybody
20.A.by B .till C. for D. from
This famous article written by Henry is well worth , but I think it is not worthy at all.
A. reading; to be translated B. reading; translating
C. being read; to be translated D. to be read; of being translated
It’s difficult for him to without a car.
A. get off B. get in C. get on D. get around
The company always great importance to the quality of their products. That’s why there is always a steady increase in sales year by year.
A. puts B. attaches C. makes D. plays
Although she had been ill for a long time, it still came as a shock when she died
A. eventually B. willingly C. unexpectedly D. disappointedly