In ancient China lived an artist __1__ paintings were almost lifelike. The artist's reputation had made him proud. One day the emperor wanted to get his portrait (画像) done so he called all great artists to come and present their __2__ (fine) work, so that he could choose the best. The artist was sure he would __3__ (choose), but when he presented his masterpiece to the emperor's chief minister, the old man laughed. The wise old man told him to travel to the Li River— perhaps he could learn a little from the greatest artist in the world.
Filled with __4__ (curious), the artist packed his bags and left. __5__ he asked the villagers on the banks of the river where he could find the legendary (传奇的) artist, they smiled and __6__ (point) down the river. The next morning he hired a boat and set out __7__ (find) the wellknown painter. As the small boat moved __8__ (gentle) along the river he was left speechless by the mountains being silently reflected in the water. He passed milky white waterfalls and mountains in many shades of blue. And when he saw the mists rising from the river and the soft clouds __9__ (surround) the mountain tops, he was reduced to tears. The artist was finally humbled (谦卑) by the greatest artist __10__ earth, Mother Nature.
Ⅱ.阅读理解
A
I want to talk about a soldier. I saw him yesterday as my husband and I were enjoying a wonderful lunch in the cavelike dining room of an old hotel.
It is hard to imagine being comfortable in a room that probably seats a thousand people, but the real magic of the place is its wonderful setting. Every corner is a wood and stone masterpiece, with high glass windows that look out to the huge cliffs of the valley.
A man entered with his family and took a seat. He wasn't in uniform, but he walked with the dignity of a soldier, and a slight limp (跛行). My suspicion was confirmed when he removed his hat and placed it on the table where I could see it. Embroidered (刺绣) on the cap were the words: “Iwo Jima Survivor”．
As they were waiting for lunch, the others were talking happily, and this gentleman was staring out of the window. He was content to be left out of the conversation and allowed to take in the wonderful and impressive view of the waterfall.
I watched him, and imagined how many horrors he had seen in the war. What losses did he suffer, and how many friends did he lose? What he had witnessed should have given him a good reason to lose faith in the world. Yet this tired soldier was smiling at the sky, at the sun and the roar of the waterfall. Somehow, after everything, the world was still beautiful to him.
I walked over to him and said, “Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I saw your hat, and I just wanted to say thank you for serving.”
He looked up at me, surprised, and said proudly, “You're welcome, and thank you, too.”
I told him I would go home and tell my children about this experience that I'd met him.
1．What can we know about the place where the author enjoyed lunch?
A．It was only open to people of the upper class.
B．It was once visited by many famous people.
C．It was attractive because of its beautiful surroundings.
D．It was modeled on scenes from American history.
2．What can we learn from the passage?
A．The author at first thought the gentleman was famous.
B．The gentleman stood out because of his uniform.
C．The gentleman's family didn't like to talk with him.
D．The gentleman wasn't expecting the author to thank him.
3．What encouraged the author to talk to the soldier?
A．The soldier's disability. B．The soldier's loneliness.
C．The soldier's contribution to his country. D．The soldier's bravery to fight in the war.
4．What is the author's attitude toward the soldier?
A．Admiring. B．Satisfied.
C．Sympathetic. D．Doubtful.
