Question

In between running one of the world’s largest charitable agencies and acting as Microsoft’s technology advisor, Bill Gates manages to find time to read books, both long and short. Now Gates --who has been labeled a “greedy” reader—has released a list of his favorite books of the year. All of the books are standout reads, according to the billionaire, most of which are focused on business and economy.

Here are Bill’s top four picks for the year (with parts of his full review of each book).

Business Adventures, by John Brooks

Brooks’ collection was published in 1969 and remains one of Gates’ favorites. He re-read it again this year, labeling it “the best business book I’ve ever read”.

“Shortly after we met, Warren Buffett lent me this collection of New Yorker business articles from the 1950s and 1960s. I loved them as much as he did. Brooks’ insights about business have aged beautifully, and they are as true today as ever.”

Capital in the Twenty-First Century, by Thomas Piketty

Piketty’s novel hit the shelves in August 2013 and sparked much discussion concerning income inequality throughout this year. Gates also got to sit down with Piketty himself after reading the non-fiction work to discuss the topic.

“As I told him, although I have concerns about some of his secondary points and policy prescriptions, I agree with his most important conclusions: inequality is a growing problem and that governments should play a role in reducing it.”

How Asia Works, by Joe Studwell

Studwell’s work, which was published in May this year, addresses how countries such as Japan, South Korea and China have continued to achieve high growth, and why other countries have failed to do the same.

“The agriculture section of the book was particularly insightful. It provided ample food for thought for me as well as the whole agriculture team at our foundation. And it left us thinking about whether parts of the Asian model can apply in Africa.

Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization, by Vaelav  Smil

Smil’s books are a constant favorite of the Microsoft founder—one of his books makes  Gates’ list almost every year. Making the Modern World came out late last year and explores the global use of materials, from silicon to wood, and plastic.

“If anyone tries to tell you we’re using fewer materials, send him this book. With his usual skepticism and his love of data, Smil shows how our ability to make things with less materials—say, soda cans that need less aluminum—makes them cheaper, which actually encourages more production.”

1.Of the books, ______ is best praised by Bill Gates.

A. How Asia Works

B. Capital in the Twenty-First Century

C. Business Adventures

D. Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization

2.The books mentioned in the text are all about______.

A. charity in the world

B. business and economy

C. poverty in the world

D. Bill Gates’ life experience

3.In How Asia Works, the author analyses ______.

A. why African agriculture cannot be developed fast

B. How they can apply Asian economic model in African countries

C. why Asia is so slow in agricultural development

D. How some Asian countries have rapidly grown in economy

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.D

【解析】

本文介绍了比尔 盖茨喜欢阅读的四本关于商业和经济的书。

1.细节理解题。根据第二段中Business Adventures, by John Brooks中Brooks’ collection was published in 1969 and remains one of Gates’ favorites. He re-read it again this year, labeling it “the best business book I’ve ever read”.可知，Business Adventures是所有书中最受Bill Gates称赞的。故选C。

2.推理判断题。根据第一段中Now Gates --who has been labeled a “greedy” reader—has released a list of his favorite books of the year. All of the books are standout reads, according to the billionaire, most of which are focused on business and economy.可知，文中提到的书都是关于商业和经济的。故选B。

3.推理判断题。根据How Asia Works, by Joe Studwell中Studwell’s work, which was published in May this year, addresses how countries such as Japan, South Korea and China have continued to achieve high growth, and why other countries have failed to do the same.可知，在How Asia Works中，作者分析了一些亚洲国家在经济上的快速增长。故选D。