阅读理解
In the mid-1990s, Tom Bissell taught English
as a volunteer in Uzbekistan. He left after seven months, physically broken and
having lost his mind. A few years later, still attracted to the country, he
returned to Uzbekistan to write an article about the disappearance of the Aral
Sea.
His visit, however, ended up involving a lot
more than that. Hence this book,
Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia, which
talks about a road trip from Tashkent to Karakalpakstan, where millions of
lives have been destroyed by the slow drying up of the sea. It is the story of
an American travelling to a strange land, and of the people he meets on his
way: Rustam, his translator, a lovely 24-year-old who picked up his colorful
English in California, Oleg and Natasha, his hosts in Tashkent, and a string of
foreign aid workers.
This is a quick look at life in Uzbekistan,
made of friendliness and warmth, but also its darker side of society. In
Samarkand, Mr Bissell admires the architectural wonders, while on his way to
Bukhara he gets a taste of police methods when suspected of drug dealing. In
Ferghana, he attends a mountain funeral(葬礼)followed by a strange
drinking party. And in Karakalpakstan, he is saddened by the dust storms,
diseases and fishing boats stuck miles from the sea.
Mr Bissell skillfully organizes historical
insights and cultural references, making his tale a well-rounded picture of
Uzbekistan, seen from Western eyes. His judgment and references are decidedly
American, as well as his delicate stomach. As the author explains, this is
neither a travel nor a history book, or even a piece of reportage. Whatever it
is, the result is a fine and vivid description of the purest of Central Asian
traditions.
(1)
What made Mr Bissell return to Uzbekistan?
A . His friends' invitation.
B . His interest in the country.
C . His love for teaching.
D . His desire to regain health.
(2)
What does the underlined word "that" in paragraph 2 refer to?
A . Developing a serious mental disease.
B . Taking a guided tour in Central Asia.
C . Working as a volunteer in Uzbekistan.
D . Writing an article about the Aral Sea.
(3)
Which of the following best describes Mr Bissell's road trip in Uzbekistan?
A . Romantic.
B . Eventful.
C . Pleasant.
D . Dangerous.
(4)
What is the purpose of this text?
A . To introduce a book.
B . To explain a cultural phenomenon.
C . To remember a writer.
D . To recommend a travel destination.
答案: B
D
B
A