Question

    “The history of the world is but the biography (传记) of great men,” argued Thomas Carlyle, the advocate of what has come to be known as the “Great Man Theory of History.” This theory suggests that the broader movements and outline of history all go back to the leadership of great individuals who had unique influence on their times. Whether or not Carlyle’s theory proves true is debatable, but that certain individuals cast long shadows is not.

As one who is entrusted with a leadership position, I find it profitable to read of others who have led. Wherever you find me, you’ll likely find a good biography nearby. Why is this the case? First, I find good biographies fascinating. I’ll occasionally read a novel, but I’ve never been overly drawn to fiction. I have found myself unable to sleep while in the struggle of the Battle of Britain in William Manchester’s The Last Lion. For me, not to read biographies would rob me of pleasure in my life.

Second, I find good biographies informative. A good biographer tells not only the story of a person, but also of their times. Reading a good biography is like wandering through an intellectual shopping mall. The first store is what drew you there, but you will be pleasantly surprised along the way at what other items grab your attention. You’ll find no better account of the British Empire at its peak than the opening chapters of Manchester’s Visions of Glory, volume one of his The Last Lion. Strictly speaking, a biography is but a slice of history.

Third, I find good biographies relaxing. Winston Churchill once noted a man who works with his hands should have a hobby that engages his mind, and a man who works with his mind should have a hobby that engages his hands. Another way to apply Churchill’s saying is to combine technical, pen-in-hand vocational reading with leisurely biographical reading. Indeed, few things are more relaxing to me than winding down the evening and entering into another world.

This is why I love reading good biographies, and why I pity the person who neglects them. Don’t be counted among their number.

1.What is implied in the first paragraph?

A. The author finds Carlyle’s theory undebatable.

B. Carlyle believes great men alone cannot create history.

C. It is debatable whether one should read great men’s biographies.

D. The author agrees that history is greatly influenced by certain men.

2.What does the underlined phrase “other items” in the third paragraph refer to?

A. good biographies B. stories of certain times

C. the volumes of The Last Lion D. the chapters of the British Empire

3.Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A. The author considers biographical reading enjoyable.

B. The author can travel to another world in the evening.

C. The author has fought many battles during his lifetime.

D. The author profits commercially by reading biographies.

4.What is the author’s main purpose in writing the article?

A. To analyze the benefits of vocational reading.

B. To introduce to readers his unique reading strategies.

C. To present great men’s history through biography reading.

D. To recommend biography reading through his own experiences.

Answer

1.D

2.B

3.A

4.D

【解析】

这是一篇议论文，作者阐述了喜欢读好的传记的原因。

1.推理判断题。由第一段“This theory suggests that the broader movements and outline of history all go back to the leadership of great individuals who had unique influence on their times”可知，这一理论表明，更广泛的历史运动和轮廓都可以追溯到对其时代有独特影响的伟大人物的领导。所以通过第一段的关键词“go back to，had unique influence on their times”，判断出第一段暗示了作者同意历史受某些人的影响很大。故D选项正确。

2.词义猜测题。由第三段“A good biographer tells not only the story of a person, but also of their times. Reading a good biography is like wandering through an intellectual shopping mall. The first store is what drew you there, but you will be pleasantly surprised along the way at what other items grab your attention. ”可知，一个好的传记作家不仅讲述一个人的故事，而且还在讲述他们所处的时代。读一本好的传记就像漫步在一个充满智慧的购物中心。第一家商店吸引了你，但你会惊喜地发现，还有其它的商品吸引了你的注意力。所以作者把读好的传记比喻成购物，将历史人物和某个时期的历史故事比喻成商店的商品。故判断出第三段划线的“other items”指的是某个时期的故事。故B选项正确。

3.细节理解题。由第二段“For me, not to read biographies would rob me of pleasure in my life”以及第三段“ Indeed, few things are more relaxing to me than winding down the evening and entering into another world.”可知，对我来说，不读传记会剥夺我生活的乐趣。的确，没有什么事情比悠闲地度过夜晚，进入另一个世界更令我放松。所以作者认为传记阅读令人愉快。故A选项“作者认为传记阅读令人愉快”是正确的。故A选项正确。

4.推理判断题。由第二段“First, I find good biographies fascinating.”第三段“Second, I find good biographies informative.”第四段“Third, I find good biographies relaxing.” 以及最后段“This is why I love reading good biographies, and why I pity the person who neglects them. Don’t be counted among their number.”可知，首先，我觉得好的传记很吸引人。我发现好的传记信息丰富。我发现好的传记让人放松。这就是为什么我喜欢读好的传记，以及为什么我同情忽视它们的人。不要成为那些不读传记的人群的一员。可知，作者通过自己的经历阐述了自己喜欢读好的传记的原因目的是推荐人们读传记。故D选项正确。