阅读理解
Like many other five-year-olds, Jeanie Low of
Houston, Texas, would use a stool (凳子) to help her reach
the bathroom sink. However, the plastic
step-stool she had at home was unstable and cluttered up the small bathroom
shared by her whole family. After learning of an invention contest held by her
school that year, Jeanie resolved to
enter the contest by creating a stool that would be a permanent fixture in the
bathroom, and yet could be
kept out of the way when not in use.
Jeanie decided to
make a stool attached to the bathroom cabinet door under the sink. She cut a
board of wood into two pieces, each about two
feet wide and one foot long. Using metal hinges (铰链), Jeanie attached
one piece of the wood to the front of the cabinet door, and the second
piece to the first. The first piece was set just high enough so that when it
swung out horizontally from the cabinet door, the second piece
would swing down from the first, just touching the
ground, and so serving as
a support for the first piece of the wood. This created a convenient, strong platform
for any person too short to reach the sink. When not in use, the hinges allowed
the two pieces of wood to fold back up tightly against the cabinet, where they were
held in place by magnets (磁铁). Jeanie called
her invention "the Kiddie Stool".
Jeanie's Kiddie
Stool won first place in her school's contest. Two years later, it was awarded
first prize again at Houston's first annual Invention Fair. As a result, Jeanie was invited
to make a number of public appearances with her Kiddie Stool, and was featured
on local TV as well as in newspapers. Many people found the story of the Kiddie
Stool inspiring because it showed that with a pair of observant eyes, anyone can be an
inventor.
(1)
According to the passage, why did Jeanie Low invent the Kiddie Stool?
A . The old stool wasn't tall enough for her.
B . She was invited to enter an invention contest.
C . Other five-year-olds had problems reaching the sink.
D . The plastic stool was not firm and often got in the way.
(2)
What is the design of Jeanie's Kiddie Stool like?
A . The platform is supported by two metal hinges.
B . The two wooden pieces swing from left to right.
C . The wooden pieces are kept in place by hinges and magnets.
D . The Kiddie Stool will swing out only when the cabinet door opens.
(3)
What are the characteristics of Jeanie's Kiddie Stool?
A . Steady and convenient.
B . Fragile and single-use.
C . Conventional and portable.
D . Foldable and recyclable.
(4)
What message does the passage convey?
A . What is suitable is the best.
B . Success comes from failure.
C . Necessity is the mother of invention.
D . Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
答案: D
C
A
C