C

While reading a story on 20-somethings complaining about how the economy is ruining their life plans, I couldn't help but think the 20-somethings sound like a bunch of spoiled children who grow up expecting everything to be easy for them. As a 20-something myself, I certainly share their disappointment –my husband and I probably won't be able to buy a house until we're in our forties, and we two are burdened by student loans. But why should it be different? Being young people in America, shouldn't they take up all of the challenges and opportunities that this country offers?

     Consider some of these views shared in the story: Jennifer, 29, owner of a two-bedroom apartment with her husband, worries that she won't be able to have children for at least a decade because they can't afford to buy a house yet.

     I read that, and I thought what planet she is living on where you need to own a house in order to have kids? Has she ever visited a developing country, or even downtown areas in this one? Home ownership is a luxury（奢华）, not a fertility requirement.

     A 26-year-old man in the story is disappointed that he can't afford to get a Ph. D. in literature. Well, that sounds a bit like expressing disappointment that no one will pay you to write poetry on the beach in Thailand for five years.

     Yes, it's sad that these young people feel so lost. But I think the problem is their extremely high expectations, not economic reality. Beth Kobliner, author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties, says that she thinks people's expectations grow up when their wealth appears to be increasing. Their parents probably see their home values rise along with their investments. "So we have people who have grown up in an environment where people have great expectations of what living well means," says Kobliner.

This recession（经济衰退） will certainly play a role in forcing those expectations into more realistic group. In the meantime, it seems much better for our mental health to focus on being grateful—for our one-bedroom apartments, for living in modern cities, or perhaps just for being able to eat three meals a day—than on longing for some kind of luxurious life.

8. What makes the author think the 20-somethings sound like a bunch of spoiled children?

    A. They expect everything to be easy for them.

    B. They complain that the economy is ruining their life plans.

    C. They are unwilling to face all of the challenges.

D. They are burdened by student loans.

9. Which of the following is NOT one of the complaints of the 20-somethings?

    A. They can't have children for at least a decade for they can't afford to buy a house.

    B. They have only a one-bedroom apartment to live in.

    C. They can't buy a house until 40 and are burdened by student loans.

    D. They despair of not being able to afford to get a Ph. D. in literature.

10. What's Kobliner's attitude towards the 20-somethings with high expectations ?

    A. Unbearable.     B. Opposing.    C. Doubtful.          D. Understanding.

11. What is the best title for this passage?

    A. Young people afford to continue their education

    B. Young people can't afford to buy a house

    C. Young people's high expectations lead to despair

D. The 20-somethings' high expectations

D

In December, 2010, many American newspapers publish a list of the best books of the year. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is one of the most repeatedly praised books on this year's list of favorites. It tells about the ups and downs of the Berglund family over many years. Mr. Franzen fills the book with sharp observations about American politics, culture and society.

Jennifer Egan's book A Visit from the Goon Squad takes place in 13 chapters over 40 years. The story moves back and forth in time, from different viewpoints. One main character is former rock musician Bennie Salazar who works for a record company. The other main character is a troubled young woman named Sasha who works for Bennie. The reader learns about their pasts and those of their friends.

The main character in The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman is a failing English Language newspaper published in Rome, Italy. Each chapter of the book tells about a reporter or editor working for this paper. Their stories are filled with intelligence and great personality.

Two of the most popular non-fiction books of 2010 were about rock and roll stars. Just Kids is by rock singer Patti Smith. It tells about her friendship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe in the 1960s and 1970s before they became famous. Life is the autobiography of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. It is an honest and exciting look at the development of rock and roll and the wild times this famous band has experienced.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand tells about a man named Louis Zamperini. She tells about his extraordinary survival story after his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean during World War Two.

Stacy Schiff has received great praise for her book Cleopatra: A Life. It tells about one of the most misrepresented and famous women in his story, Cleopatra. She ruled ancient Egypt about 2,000 years ago. One critic said Ms. Schiff has brought Cleopatra to life again by unearthing her story from centuries of lies.

12.The following books are related to music EXCEPT________.

   A. The Imperfectionists          B. A Visit from the Goon Squad    

   C. Just Kids                   D. Life

13.If your major is the history of ancient Africa, you may pay attention to ________.

   A. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

   B. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

   C. The Imperfections by Tom Rachman

   D. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

14．Which book will give you a practical understanding of the USA?

   A．Life     B．Cleopatra: A Life

   C．Freedom D．A Visit from the Goon Squad

15.The last sentence of the passage implies that ________.

   A．Stacy Schiff is an archaeologist

   B．the critic finds the character in the book very real

   C．the critic speaks highly of Cleopatra in history

   D．Stacy Schiff tells a story about an imaginary Egyptian queen
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