China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors---silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.
It’s fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks(人行道). Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide.
Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.
My first ride home was orderly (守秩序的). To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn’t want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.
Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time, skill and a little bit of luck.
I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.
1.According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?
A. Because they are convenient and inexpensive.
B. Because they are traditional and safe.
C. Because they are colorful and available.
D. Because they are fast and environment friendly.
2.The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended __________.
A. to ride it for fun B. to use it for transport
C. to experience local skills D. to improve his riding skills
3.How did the author feel about his street crossing?
A. It was boring. B. It was difficult.
C. It was lively. D. It was wonderful.
4.Which of the following best describes the author’s biking experience?
A. The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.
B. The author took great pleasure in biking.
C. The author was praised by the other bikers.
D. The author was annoyed by the air while riding.
I made up my mind to drive to South Carolina to meet my friends in my used car. Though I had only been there once 36 and did not know the 37 very well. I was on the 38 after I had made some enquiries.
At Ashvelle, there was a crossroad where I could go on along the main road or I could take a short cut(小道，近路). The short cut was to 39 several hills and was dangerous, I hesitated (犹豫)for a little while and then chose the main road, for I wanted to be 40 .
Something strange happened 41 I drove a long way and found it was not the correct road that I wanted to 42 , but the hilly road I decided to avoid. I realized that it was at the 43 that I had made the 44 mistake. “What shall I do?” I asked myself. If I went back to take that road again, it would be very late by the time I got to Columbia. Thinking it 45 , I decided to go on. “If 46 people can go along this road, why can’t I?” I 47 myself.
The short cut, to my surprise, was not that 48 . In fact, it was only a very peaceful country road, 49 up and down two low 50 .There was 51 traffic. On both sides of the road, you could see trees, wild flowers, and 52 with cows and horses. My fear was 53 with the wind. Listening to the beautiful country music over my car stereo (立体声), I drove on and 54 the scenery which was so quiet and so natural. Even my used car forgot to give me 55 . It was just in this light heartedness that I arrived at my destination. My friends, after they heard what had happened to me, all said it sounded like an adventure.
1.A. ago B. before C. already D. still
2.A. town B. country C. way D. friends
3.A. highway B. car C. train D. phone
4.A. have B. go C. ride D. cross
5.A. safe B. dangerous C. fast D. slow
6.A. after B. before C. if D. since
7.A. come B. leave C. take D. drive
8.A. station B. corner C. crossroad D. beginning
9.A. road B. direction C. disappointed D. interesting
10.A. about B. over C. of D. up
11.A. another B. other C. the other D. others
12.A. asked B. forced C. encouraged D. told
13.A. far B. safe C. dirty D. dangerous
14.A. going B. coming C. driving D. walking
15.A. lands B. cars C. farms D. hills
16.A. heavy B. little C. few D. much
17.A. farms B. trucks C. houses D. villages
18.A. gone B. together C. covered D. coming
19.A. looked B. liked C. enjoyed D. found
20.A. happiness B. scenery C. joys D. problems
It’s easier to catch a _____ lion than the one that’s awake.
A. sleep B. slept C. sleeping D. to sleep
Mr. Smith didn’t go to the party because he had a lot of experiments _____.
A. do B. did C. done D. to do
Only if he gets a job ______ have enough money to build his own house.
A. he can B. can he C. he will D. did he
Harry _______ golf after graduation from college.
A. took up B. took in C. took over D. took down
