阅读理解训练
(2015·甘肃省二诊)
Considering Australia's size and the fact that early settlements were far apart, Australian society is remarkably homogeneous ( 同种的). Its citizens are fundamentally prosperous and the way of life in the major cities and towns is much the same however many miles divide them. It takes a sharp ear to identify regional accents.
However, there is some difference in lifestyle between city settlers and the country people. Almost 90 percent of the population lives in the fastpaced cities along the coast and has little more_than_a_passing_familiarity_with_the_desert. The major cities preserve images of colonial heritage, but the overall impression is modern, with new buildings reflecting the country's youth. In contrast, the rural communities tend to be slowmoving and conservative. For many years, Australia was said to have “ridden on the sheep's back” , a reference to wool being the country's main money earner. However, it is no longer dominant (主宰的) . Much of Australia's relatively sound economy is now achieved from natural coal and wheat, and by being the largest diamond producer in the world. Newer industries such as tourism and wine making are also increasingly important. Australians are generally friendly and relaxed, with a modest sense of humor.
