Question

    As a winner of the NSLI-Y Scholarship in high school, and then the Critical Language Scholarship in college, I lived in China for two summers with host families, studying Chinese for nine hours a day. Tack on to that the approximately 2,000 classroom hours I spent learning Chinese as an undergraduate, and it seems fair to say that a small fortune of resources has been invested in my Chinese ability.

Yet even with so much practice, I am not still achieving fluency, and it's unclear whether I’ll use my language skills regularly in my career. This leads me to reflect: What is it that drives me to drill tones and memorize characters?

Many people are quick to point out the value of language skills in an increasingly competitive workforce. However, language is about much more than just the ability to communicate. Foreign language study is tied to increased levels of empathy (同理心)，enhanced cognitive development, and more creative insight on the human condition. Increasingly, research shows that these benefits also apply to those with exposure to multiple languages, and not just those who achieve fluency.

A beneficial future for the US and China will be built upon understanding, respect and recognition. Language exchange can provide cultural insight and strengthen the common ground we stand on.

It is not the economic potential of my language skills that leads me to persist. Studying Chinese is the most modest way I can think of to approach China, a nation with over 5 ,000 years of complex history. From this point, I have experienced the beauty, hospitality of China. And my experience of studying Chinese has helped me form a sense of curiosity and a commitment to understanding and respect-and that's a start.

1.What do we know about the author?

A.He has worked hard at learning Chinese.

B.He has won many scholarships in China.

C.He began to learn Chinese in high school.

D.He has enjoyed his life living in China.

2.What does the author think of the language learning?

A.It just needs to drill tones and remember words.

B.It needs the experience of living with a host family.

C.It can promote learners' mental development.

D.It is only used for effective communication.

3.What can we infer from Paragraph 4?

A.The US and China will certainly have a bright future.

B.The US and China always respect and recognize each other.

C.Language exchange can help the US and China understand better.

D.The US and China start to share the same cultural insight.

4.Why does the author stick to learning Chinese?

A.To get some economic profits. B.To show off his language talent.

C.To achieve the language fluency. D.To have a close look at China.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.C

4.D

【解析】

这是一篇夹叙夹议的文章。通过自己学习中文的经历，作者明白了语言的学习不仅仅是为了说得流利，而且还能促进个人的心理发展。此外，语言的交流也能促进国与国之间的进一步了解。作者之所以坚持继续学中文是为了能够更加了解这个具有5000千多年历史的国家。

1.

细节理解题。根据第一段的I lived in China for two summers with host families, studying Chinese for nine hours a day. Tack on to that the approximately 2,000 classroom hours I spent learning Chinese as an undergraduate, (我在中国和寄宿家庭一起居住了两个暑假，每天学习中文9小时。除此之外，我在大学期间花了大约2000个课时学中文)可知，作者一直努力学习中文。A. He has worked hard at learning Chinese.(他努力学习中文)符合以上说法，故选A项。

2.

细节理解题。根据第三段的However, language is about much more than just the ability to communicate. Foreign language study is tied to increased levels of empathy (同理心)，enhanced cognitive development, and more creative insight on the human condition. (然而，语言不仅仅是交流的能力。外语学习与同理心水平的上升、增强认知发展，和对人类生存状态更有创造性的洞察力密不可分。)可知，作者认为外语的学习可以促进学习者的心理发展。C. It can promote learners' mental development.(它能够促进学习者的心理发展)符合以上说法，故选C项。

3.

推理判断题。根据第四段Language exchange can provide cultural insight and strengthen the common ground we stand on.(语言交流可以提供文化洞察、并加强我们的共同点。)可知，语言交流可以加强中美的共同点。由此推测，语言交流可以帮助中美更好的了解对方。C. Language exchange can help the US and China understand better.(语言交流能够帮助中美更好的了解对方)符合以上说法，故选C项。

4.

推理判断题。根据最后一段的Studying Chinese is the most modest way I can think of to approach China, a nation with over 5 ,000 years of complex history. (学习中文是我能想到的接近中国的最谦逊的方式，一个有着5000多年复杂历史的国家。)可推测，作者学习中文是为了更好的了解中国。D. To have a close look at China.(为了更好的了解中国)符合以上说法，故选D项。