This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.
Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me accommodations in return for help with a craft task.
My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.
I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.
Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.
Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”
Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(气息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!
1.Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?
A. She wanted to enjoy a different Christmas.
B. She wanted to make more money.
C. She was inspired by her trip for a BBC TV program.
D. She hoped to present herself with a surprise.
2.The author had her plans carried out and set out for Britain in ______.
A. spring B. summer C. fall D. winter
3.What happened during the author’s trip to Britain?
A. She met many artists and craftspeople on her way to Britain.
B. She spent a whole summer in Britain making crafts.
C. She was asked to sew clothes, and curtains and made much money.
D. Many people showed great interest in making things themselves.
4.According to the passage, people learn to ______ through crafting.
A. be grateful to what they have gained
B. keep up with fashion
C. stick to something interesting
D. know more information about craft
5.What is the author’s opinion on homemade Christmas presents?
A. Making Christmas presents can only convey a bit of your love.
B. People can find their artistic talent in making Christmas presents.
C. A cup of hot cocoa can inspire you to make a creative present.
D. It would take a long time to prepare a homemade Christmas present.
阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后从各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C、D)中，选出最佳选项，并在答题纸上将该选项标号涂黑。
My grandparents built and lived in a small 600-square-foot cottage for most of their adult lives. They actively practiced living a 21 life. Saving and avoiding overspending was their life 22 for their whole life. 23 seeking satisfaction through material items, they chose to spend 24 time together, with family, and in nature.
Over the years my grandparents noticed 25 changes in their community. Every year more farmland was 26 to build larger and larger homes. With houses’ prices 27 , many of their neighbors sold their little homes and lands. 28 only their small house was still on the block, surrounded by a sea of tall buildings. Countless family members 29 my grandparents to expand their home. But they didn’t want a bigger place and were 30 with what they had.
In many ways, I’ve modeled my life after my grandparents. Through their example I learned an important 31 : It is absolutely possible to live a small and fulfilling life.
My grandparents lived in a small home, but they owned a(n) 32 garden. They loved gardening deeply because it not only 33 their grocery bill, but also improved their health and gave them a(n) 34 to be outside. They said, “ 35 you live in a small home or an apartment, you don’t have to give up gardening.”
My grandparents avoided lifestyle creep(攀比) by paying for their own home in cash and building it themselves. They also recycled and 36 everything. For instance, they drove the same car for over 15 years and didn’t buy anything new until their stuff was 37 worn out.
My grandparents taught me that living well on 38 isn’t about feeling bad for myself. 39 , it’s about giving yourself the time, freedom, and money to seek your dreams. You know: Becoming debt free, living in a smaller home, and others are a few ways to 40 your life.
1.A. dull B. simple C. single D. busy
2.A. attitude B. experience C. principle D. standard
3.A. Rather than B. More than C. Other than D. Apart from
4.A. shopping B. work C. break D. quality
5.A. obvious B. delicate C. enjoyable D. flexible
6.A. improved B. ruined C. discovered D. distributed
7.A. taking up B. making up C. going up D. turning up
8.A. Probably B. Suddenly C. Instantly D. Eventually
9.A. forced B. encouraged C. persuaded D. ordered
10.A. content B. angry C. cautious D. familiar
11.A. lesson B. theory C. truth D. sentence
12.A. small B. special C. ordinary D. huge
13.A. reduced B. handled C. checked D. handled
14.A. platform B. stage C. excuse D. solution
15.A. As if B. Even if C. Only if D. What if
16.A. sewed B. created C. sold D. reused
17.A. thoroughly B. generally C. nearly D. hardly
18.A. more B. less C. better D. worse
19.A. What’s more B. As a result C. On the whole D. On the contrary
20.A. risk B. manage C. limit D. destroy
— Jenny, it’s raining outside. Shall I give you a ride?
— Thanks. ______.
A. Of course if you like B. It couldn’t be better
C. Mind your own business D. That’s a deal
Had the US Airways captain not guided his jet to a safe landing on the Hudson River, just west of New York, over 100 people aboard ______, along with many more on the ground.
A. might have died B. needn’t have died
C. must die D. shouldn’t die
Mr. Brook didn’t come back at the usual time last night. ______, he met some friends and stayed out until midnight.
A. Meanwhile B. However C. Instead D. Anyway
The astronaut did many experiments in the spaceship, ______ much help for knowing space.
A. which we think it is B. which we think are of
C. of which we think are D. I think which is of
