2012高考英语：阅读理解课堂练学案（21）

2012高考英语：阅读理解课堂练学案（21）

‎ 2012高考英语：阅读理解课堂练学案（21） ‎ Passage Twenty-one (The Result of the Falling US Dollar)‎ ‎   Like a ticking time bomb, the falling dollar has grabbed the attention of Japan and West Germany, forcing them to consider adopting economic polices the United States advocates. The U.S.‎ government wants the dollar to fall because as the dollar declines in value against the yen and Deutsche mark‎, ‎U.S.‎ good becomes cheaper. U.S.‎ companies then sell more at home and abroad, and U.S.‎ trade deficit declines. Cries for trade protection abate, and the global free-trade system is preserved.‎ ‎   Then, the cheaper dollar makes it cheaper for many foreign investors to snap up U.S.‎ stocks. That prompts heavy buying from abroad—especially from Japan. Also, if the trade picture is improving, that means U.S.‎ companies eventually will be more competitive. Consequently, many investors are buying shares of export-oriented U.S.‎ companies in anticipation of better profits in the next year or so. But that is a rather faddish notion right now; if corporate earnings are disappointing in interest rates, the stock market rally could stall.‎ ‎   Improving U.S.‎ competitiveness means a decline in another’s competitiveness.‎ ‎   Japan and West Germany are verging on recession. Their export-oriented economies are facing major problems. Japan is worried about the damage the strong yen will do to Japanese trade. West Germany is also worried. Share prices in Frankfurt plummeted this past week. Bonn is thought to be considering a cut in interest rates to boost its economy.‎ ‎   Could the falling dollar get out of hand? If the dollar falls too far, investors might lose confidence in U.S.‎ investments—especially the government bond market. The money to finance   the federal budget and trade deficits could migrate elsewhere. Inflation could flare up, too, since Japanese and German manufacturers will eventually pass along price hikes—and U.S.‎ companies might follow suit to increase their profit margins. The U.S.‎ federal Reserve then might need to step in and stabilize the dollar by raising interest rates. And higher interest rates could cause the U.S.‎ economy to slow down and end the Wall Street Rally.‎ Worried about these side effects, Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcher has said the dollar has fallen far enough. What is the equilibrium level? Probably near where it is or slightly lower. It all depends on when the U.S.‎ trade deficit turns around or if investors defect from U.S. Treasury ‎ Bonds. “It requires a good deal of political patience on the part of the U.S. Congress,” says Dr. Cline, “And there must be an expectation of patience on the part of private investors. The chance are relatively good that we will avoid an investor break or panic.”‎ ‎1.      What is the main idea of this passage?‎ ‎[A]. The impression of the falling U.S. dollar.‎ ‎. The result of the U.S.‎ falling dollar.‎ ‎[C]. The side effect of U.S.‎ falling dollar.‎ ‎[D]. Japan and West Germany are worried about U.S.‎ falling dollar.‎ ‎2.      What does the word “rally” mean.‎ ‎[A]. prosperity.      . decline.        [C]. richness.        [D]. import.‎ ‎3.      Why are Japan and West Germany worried about the falling dollar?‎ ‎[A]. Because the falling dollar may cause inflation in their countries.‎ ‎. Because it may force them to sell a lot of U.S, stocks.‎ ‎[C]. Because it may do damage to their trade.‎ ‎[D]. Because it may make Japanese company less competitive.‎ ‎4.      If  dollar-falling got out of hand, and the U.S. Federal Reserve might step in , what would happen?‎ ‎[A]. The prosperity of the U.S.‎ economy would disappear.‎ ‎. The U.S.‎ economy might face serious problems.‎ ‎[C]. Investors might lose confidence in U.S.‎ investments.‎ ‎[D].Inflation could flare up.‎ Vocabulary ‎1.      ticking                                滴答作响的 ‎2.      grab                                  抓住 ‎3.      abate                                 减弱 ‎4.      snap up                               争购，抢购 ‎5.      heavy buying                          大量买进 ‎6.      export-oriented                         以出口为方向的 ‎7.      in anticipation of                       期待，预期 ‎8.      faddish                               一时流行的 ‎9.      spree                                无节制的疯狂行为 ‎10.      buying spree                           狂购乱买 ‎11.      plummet                              垂直落下，骤然跌落，暴跌 ‎12.      stall                                  停滞 ‎13.      verge                                 处于……边缘 ‎14.      verging on recession                     正处于衰退的边缘 ‎15.      boost                                 振兴，吹捧 ‎16.      bond market                           债券市场 ‎17.      flare up                               突然闪耀，发火，爆发 ‎18.      hike                                  提高，增加 ‎19.      follow suit                             照着做，跟出同花色的牌 ‎20.      profit margin                           利润幅度 ‎21.      step in                                 介入 ‎22.      rally                                  繁荣 ‎23.      equilibrium                            平衡，均势 ‎24.      defect                                逃跑，开小差 ‎25.      break or panic                          崩溃或大恐慌 ‎ ‎ 难句译注 ‎1.  cries for trade protection           贸易保护的呼声 ‎2.  the global free-trade system         全球自由贸易体系 ‎3.  that is a rather faddish notion right now      只是一时流行的概念 ‎4.  get out of hand                      失控 ‎5.  What is the equilibrium level? Probably near where it is or slightly lower.       什么是平衡水平？可能是接近现在水平或者稍低一些。‎ ‎6.  trade deficit       贸易赤字，贸易逆差。‎ 写作方法与文章大意 这是一篇论述“美元下跌的后果”的文章，采用对比，顺序，因果等写作。先提出问题：美元下跌，美国得利有二：一是（第一段）商品便宜，销售量大，赤字下降，全球自由贸易体系保住。二是（第二段）外国投资者会抢购美国股票。总之，美国竞争力加强。‎ 这两段中都有对比。第一段美国和日本的对比，开头“就像滴答作响的定时炸弹，日见下跌的美元抓住了日本和西德的注意力，迫使他们考虑采取美国提出的经济政策。“第二段是美国本身之利弊对比。“……许多外国投资者抢购出口导向的美国股票，期望在下一年左右的时间里得到较多的利润。如果公司收益在今后几个季度里令人失望的话，这种买进古片的狂热行为就可能消失。最后，如果美元价格直线下跌导致利率上升，股票市场价格回升就会停顿。“ 后面两段是这两段负效应的进一步论证。‎ 答案祥解 ‎1.      B. 美元下跌的结果。全篇文章都讲的美元下跌的后果。‎ A. 美元下跌的印象。    C. 美元下跌的副作用，均不对。   因为还讲述了有利的一面。        D. 日本的、西德担忧美元下跌，这只是其中的部分内容。‎ ‎2.      A.  繁荣。第五段“美元下跌是否会失控：如果美元下跌过多，投资者可能会失去对美国投资的信心，特别是对美国的债务市场。对联邦政府预算和贸易赤字提供的资金可能移向其它市场，因为日本和西德厂商最终会将上涨的价格转嫁出去，美国公司也可能这么做，以提高其市场利润幅度，从而使通货膨胀再次爆发。美国联邦储备委员会这时可能需要介入，提高利率来稳定美元。而较高利率会导致美国经济减慢，华尔街的繁荣行将结束。”‎ B. 衰退。      C. 富有。         D. 出口，都不是rally之含义。‎ ‎3.      C. 因为下跌对他们贸易有损害。第三段“改善美国竞争力意味着其他国家的竞争力下降。”第四段，“日本和西德正濒于经济衰退的边缘。其出口导向的经济正在面临严重问题。日本担心由于日元坚挺而给其贸易带来损害，西德也在发愁。上个星期，法兰克福股市价格暴跌。据说，波恩已在考虑降低利率以振兴其经济。‎ A. 美元下跌会使他们国家通货膨胀。没有正式提到, 内涵只是贸易带来的其他具体问题。        B. 它可能迫使他们卖掉许多美国股票。   D. 这可能使日本竞争力下降。问题是提出两国，不单单是日本。‎ ‎4.      A. 美国经济繁荣消失，见第2题答案A的注释。‎ B. 美国经济可能面临严重问题。太笼统。       C. 投资者可能对在美国投资失去信心。这不是美国联邦储备委员会介入后发生之事。   D. 通货膨胀全面爆发。这也是介入之后果。‎ Passage Twenty-two (Pantomime)‎ Pantomimes like pageants, need to be very well planned, and it is essential that initial organization should begin many weeks in advance of the production date. Pantomimes are nearly always divided into separate scenes, very often taking place in different countries or even in different centuries. It is therefore necessary that there should be an overall unity of design culminating in the grand finale. This latter is really just an excuse for visual effects, and for once the performers become merely cloths hangers on which to put elaborate garments.‎ The scene should be discussed at some length with the producer so that the background, which is decided upon, does not present impossibilities for the provision of costumes within the budget or insuperable making problems for the wardrobe. Because of the large numbers of costumes needed full use must be made of the cheapest materials available, such as tarlatan (thin, stiff, open-weave muslin) nets and inexpensive cottons and taffetas. Very often it is possible to pick up goods that have been substantially reduced in price as cheap lines either in the big stores or on stalls in street markets.‎ Costumes for pantomimes need to be imaginative, gay and fairly bold in conception—this does not mean that they need to be garish. Usually in one scene there needs to be the flavor of what is newest at the moment in clothes. It is always a good idea to make use of a modern gimmick and to point it in some way if this can be conveniently fitted into the scheme. The audience comes to pantomime to have the eye feasted as much as for any other purpose, thus making a great chance for the designer to excel. Because of the very varied audience to be catered for there must be costumes to please patrons of all ages and delight the eyes of toddlers, teenagers, parents and grandparents.‎ Usually there is the chance for some country scene involving merry-making peasants in ginghams, stripes of chintzes. There may be a military or naval routine or some number emphasizing precision and calling for trim slick costumes. There is certain to be a ballet which is to look fairy-like or romantic and pretty and which may well need either classical or romantic tutus. The finale, which must be the most spectacular of all, is often set in a ballroom or palace where all the characters come together to make their final bows; and it is for this scene that the glitter of sequins and jewels, the sparkle of tinsel, the gold and silver materials and the waving plumes should be ‎ saved.‎ It may be helpful to examine the different characters and the various scenes in which they are likely to appear. They remain much the same in all pantomimes; the flavor varying according to the setting—so that a sdash of the Orient, or the particular feeling of a historical epoch is added to the standard costume.‎ ‎1.      Which word can best describe the final scene in pantomime?‎ ‎[A]. Spectacular.      . Beautiful.         [C]. Romantic.      [D]. Sparkling.‎ ‎2.      What is the best title for this passage?‎ ‎[A]. How to Gain Success of a Pantomime.‎ ‎. The Most Important Factors in a Pantomime.‎ ‎[C]. Pantomime needs to have a very-well.‎ ‎[D]. How to Make Preparation for a Pantomime.‎ ‎3.      What does paragraph two imply?‎ ‎[A]. It implies actor and actress outnumber costume.‎ ‎. It implies costume costs too much.‎ ‎[C]. It implies the funds available is on meager side.‎ ‎[D]. It implies a good plan is necessary for a pantomime.‎ ‎4.      The success of a pantomime lie in ‎[A]. well-planned preparation.            . excellent actors.‎ ‎[C]. brilliant costume.                   [D]. harmony.‎ Vocabulary ‎1.      culminate                       达到顶点，达到最高潮 ‎2.      insuperable                     不可逾越的，不可克服的 ‎3.      tarlatan                         薄纱，塔拉丹 ‎4.      taffeta                          花花绿绿的塔夫绸，衬绸 ‎5.      gimmick                       （魔术师道具等）暗机关，‎ ‎6.      garish                          装饰（物） 鲜艳夺目的，俗不可耐的 ‎7.      gingham                        方格花布 ‎8.      stripe                          条纹布，斜纹布 ‎9.      chintz                          擦光印花棉布 ‎10.      slick                           光滑的，打扮漂亮的，华而不实的，讨人喜欢的 ‎11.      tutu                           （芭蕾舞女演员）短裙 ‎12.      sequin                          装饰服装用的圆形小金属片 ‎13.      tinsel                           金银丝织品，闪亮装饰品 难句译注 ‎1.      This latter is really just an excuse for visual effects, and for once the performers become merely cloths hangers on which to put elaborate garments.‎ ‎[结构简析] for once= for just once 就这一次 ‎[参考译文] 后者确实就是为了视觉效果，就这一次，演员成了仅仅是套上精致衣服的衣架子。‎ ‎2.      Usually in one scene there needs to be the flavor of what is newest at the moment in clothes. It is always a good idea to make use of a modern gimmick and to point it in some way if this can be conveniently fitted into the scheme.‎ ‎[结构简析] 两句句子。To make use of 利用，to point 强调。‎ ‎[参考译文] 一般说来，在一幕里，需要有当时服装上最新款式和风格。如果便于和演出设计相吻合的话，利用当时的机关并给以适当突出也不失为好办法。‎ ‎3.      The audience comes to pantomime to have the eye feasted as much as for any other purpose, thus making a great chance for the designer to excel。‎ ‎[结构简析] 注意后面thus making…的译法。‎ ‎[参考译文] 观众来看哑剧，不仅为了大饱眼福，还有其它目的。这就给了设计者展示才能超越别人的大好机会。‎ 写作方法与文章大意 ‎   这是一篇论述哑剧准备工作的文章。文章一开始就点明主题。然后从钱，剧幕，服装，色彩，情趣等方面加以阐明，手法多种。‎ 答案祥解 ‎1.      A.‎ ‎ 最后一幕非常壮观。文章内两处提到，第一段第二句“哑剧几乎总是分成独立的几幕，常常是发生在不同的国家和不同的世纪，因此，在宏伟的最后一幕有一个达到高潮完整统一设计。”第四段第四行末尾“最后一幕，必须是全戏最壮观的，地点常常是在舞厅或者皇宫，聚集着所有的演员，以备谢幕。”‎ B. 美丽的。      C. 浪漫的。         D. 灿烂的，都只是壮观中之一部分。‎ ‎2.      D. 如何为哑剧做好准备工作。文章一开始“哑剧，像露天演出剧一样，需要很好策划，应在演出前好几个星期作好最初的组织工作……。”后面几段都是围绕这一中心而写。‎ A. 如何获取哑剧的成功，文中提得很少但准备的目的是获得成功。    B. 哑剧的最重要的因素。     C. 哑剧需要一个很好的设计，都是准备工作中提及的部分内容。‎ ‎3.      C. 隐射能得到的资金很少。第二段“剧幕场景应和舞台监督进行详细的讨论。这样决定下来的场景不会出现预算内金额不能提供服装，或剧团服装难以供应的问题。由于需要剧装量大，要充分利用能得到的最便宜的材料，类似薄纱，低价棉布和衬绸之类。可以在大商店或马路地摊上选购一些降价的便宜货品。”这一段说明他们的资金相当少，所以C 正确。‎ A. 演员认输超过了服装数。      B. 服装太贵，文中都没有提到。也不是第二段的内涵。     D. 哑剧需要一个好计划。一开始就点明，不用隐射。‎ ‎4.      A. 充分计划好的准备工作。如果没有计划，其他三点都谈不上。因为 B. 优秀演员。     C. 华丽的戏装。        D. 和谐，都四计划内考虑的因素。‎