Question

My father had always been an alert observer of human character. Within seconds of meeting someone, he could sum up their strengths and weaknesses. It was always a challenge to see if any of my boyfriends could pass Dad’s test. None did. Dad was always right---they didn’t pass my test either. After Dad died, I wondered how I’d figure it out on my own.

That’s when Jack arrived on the scene. He was different from any other guy I’d dated. He could sit for hours on the piano bench with my mother, discussing some composers. My brother Rick loudly announced that Jack wasn’t a turkey like the other guys I’d brought home. Jack passed my family’s test. But what about Dad’s?

Then came my mother’s birthday. The day he was supposed to drive, I got a call. “Don’t worry,” he said, “but I’ve been in an accident. I’m fine, but I need you to pick me up.”

When I got there, we rushed to a flower shop for something for Mom. “How about gardenias?” Jack said, pointing at a beautiful white corsage(胸花). The florist put the corsage in a box.

The entire ride, Jack was unusually quiet. “Are you all right?” I asked. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” he said. “I might be moving.” Moving? Then he added, “Moving in with you.” I nearly put the car on the sidewalk. “What?” I asked. “I think we should get married,” he said. He told me he’d planned his proposal in a fancy restaurant, but after the accident, he decided to do it right away. “Yes,” I whispered. We both sat dumbfounded, tears running down our cheeks. I’d never known such a tender moment. If only Dad were here to give his final approval.

“Oh, let’s just go inside.” Jack laughed. My mother opened the door. “Happy Birthday!” we shouted. Jack handed the box to her. She opened it up. Suddenly, her eyes were filled with tears. “Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked. “I’m sorry,” she said, wiping her eyes. “This is only the second gardenia corsage I’ve ever received. I was given one years ago, long before you kids were born.” “From who?” I asked. “Your father,” Mom said. “He gave me one right before we were engaged.” My eyes locked on Jack’s as I blinked away(眨掉) tears. Dad’s test? I knew Jack had passed.

1.According to the text, we know the writer’s father was __________.

A. interested in observing things around

B. good at judging one’s character

C. strict with her boyfriend        

D. fond of challenges

2.What is the main idea of Paragraph 2?

A. Jack got the family’s approval except Dad’s.   

B. Jack was different from any other boy.

C. Jack was getting on well with Mother.        

D. Jack knew a lot about piano.

3.The underlined word “proposal” in Paragraph 5 means __________.

A. piece of advice                       B. wedding ceremony

C. celebration of birthday               D. offer of marriage

4.On hearing “moving in with you”, the writer felt           .         .

A. pleased           B. worried       C. surprised       D. disappointed

5.Why did the writer’s mother cry?

A. The gift was the same as the one her husband gave her.

B. She had never received such a beautiful gift.

C. Her daughter found her life partner at last. 

D. The gardenia corsage was too expensive.

Answer

1.B

2.A

3.D

4.C

5.A

【解析】文章讲述了Jack通过我家人考察可以娶我的故事。

1.B 细节题。根据文章第一段1,2行My father had always been an alert observer of human character. Within seconds of meeting someone, he could sum up their strengths and weaknesses.可知B正确。

2.A 段落大意题。通读第二段可知Jack赢得了家人的欣赏，故A正确。

3.D 猜测词义题。根据I think we should get married,” he said. He told me he’d planned his proposal in a fancy restaurant, but after the accident, he decided to do it right away.可知他原计划是在一个餐厅里向我求婚的，故proposal是指求婚，故D正确。

4.C 推理题。根据第五段第三行I nearly put the car on the sidewalk. “What?”可知C正确。我非常惊讶。

5.A 细节题。根据最后一段“This is only the second gardenia corsage I’ve ever received. I was given one years ago, long before you kids were born.可知A正确。