2013年揭阳二模英语试题答案(3)

Over the past five years, print-on-demand technology and a growing number of self publishing companies whose books can be sold online have inspired writers of all ages to avoid the traditional gatekeeping system for determining who could call himself a “published author.”
The mothers and fathers who foot the bill say they are simply trying to encourage their children, in the same way that other parents buy equipment for a promising baseball player. But others see self-publishing as a lost opportunity to teach children about hardship and perseverance. Mr. Robbins, a critic, thinks it is wonderful to start writing at a young age, but worries self-publishing sends the wrong message. “There are no prodigies(神童) in literature,” he said. “Literature requires experience, in a way that mathematics and music do not.” Alan Rinzler, a publishing industry veteran, suggested parents hire a professional editor like him to work with their child to tear a manuscript apart and help make a better. Ben’s father, Ken, said Ben’s ambitions “weren’t to knock Harry Potter off the list,” but “to get that good feeling inside that you’ve done something.”
Ajla Dizdarevic, 12, who has self-published two books of poetry, has been on television and in local newspapers. “Being a published author,” she said, “was always a dream of mine.” Her new dream: three books by age 15.
36. Which of the following is true of Ben?
    A. He has achieved something unusual for his age.
    B. His self-published books were well received.
    C. His manuscripts were favored by the publisher.
    D. He was thought little of by the public media.
37. What makes it possible for writers of all ages to self-publish their works?
A. The rapid increase of online readership.
B. The increasing number of publishers.
C. The immediate access to marketing agencies.
D. The development of printing and publishing.
38. Why do some parents pay the self-publishing bill?
    A. They want to offer opportunities to their children.
    B. They want to give encouragement to their children.
    C. They want to help their children avoid hardship.
    D. They want to show love and care for their children.
39. What dose Alan Rinzler suggest that children should do?
    A. Be forbidden to write books B. Start writing at an early age
    C. Be professionally guided D. Learn from experience
40. Why do some children self-publish works according to the last part?
    A. Just to achieve their dreams. B. Just to earn more money.
    C. Just to gain self-confidence. D. Just to satisfy their parents.
D
   An “apple polisher” is one who gives gifts to win friendship or special treatment. It is not exactly a bribe(贿赂), but is close to it.
   All sorts of people are apple polishers, including politicians and people in high offices—just about everybody. Oliver Cromwell, the great English leader, offered many gifts to win the support of George Fox and his party, but failed.
  There are other phrases meaning the same thing as “apple-polishing”—“soft-soaping” or “buttering-up”. A gift is just one way to “soft-soap” somebody, or to “butter him up”. Another that is just as effective is flattery, giving someone high praise—telling him how good he looks, or how well he speaks, or how talented and wise he is.
  Endless are the ways of flattery. Who does not love to hear it? Only an unusual man can resist the thrill of being told how wonderful he is. In truth, flattery is good medicine for most of us, who get so little of it.
  We need it to be more sure of ourselves. It cannot hurt unless we get carried away by it. But if we just lap it up for its food value and nourishment, as a cat laps up milk, then we can still remain true to ourselves.
  Sometimes, however, flattery will get you nothing from one who has had too much of it. A good example is the famous 12th century legend of King Canute of Denmark and England. The king got tired of listening to endless sickening flattery of his courtiers(朝臣). They overpraised him to the skies, as a man of limitless might.
   He decided to teach them a lesson. He took them to the seashore and sat down. Then he ordered the waves to stop coming in. The tide was too busy to listen to him. The king was satisfied. This might show his followers how weak his power was and how empty their flattery.
41. Which of the following activities has nothing to do with “apple-polishing”?
   A. A boy tells his girlfriend how pretty she looks.
   B. An employee tells her boss how good he is at management.
   C. A knight is said to be of limitless power by his followers.
D. A teacher praises her students for their talent and wisdom.
42. What does the writer want to prove with Cromwell’s example?
   A. Everybody can be an apple-polisher.
   B. Cromwell was not a good apple-polisher.
   C. George Fox and his party were not apple-polishers.
   D. There are people who don’t like being apple-polished.
43. Which of the following statements about flattery is true according to the author?
   A. Too much flattery can carry us away.
   B. Flattery is too empty to do people any good.
   C. Flattery can get you nothing but excessive(过度的) pride.
   D. Flattery is one of the ways to apple-polish people.
44. Why did King Canute of Denmark and England take his followers to the seashore?