A

Getting around in the United States is sometimes not very easy. Most people own their own cars,  but not everyone can foot the bill for the car,  plus the insurance,  gas,  and maintenance. Most big cities have buses,  but they are much slower than a car. Several cities in the U. S. have subway systems,  but many do not. There are even fewer trains that transport daily commuters(通勤者). In cities such as Los Angeles,  public transportation is much more limited than in other countries.

If you take some form of public transportation,  you need to pay a certain fare. In most big cities the fare is anywhere from 1 to 2 dollars. But don’t expect the bus driver to change a bill for you. You usually need exact change if you’re going to ride a bus,  train,  or subway. Whatever you take,  you always have to pay for it!

My friends here in Los Angeles all have different ways of getting to work. One friend,  who lives out in the suburb,  rides the train every day. He takes the train because it’s easier for him than driving or taking a bus. Another friend I know who works close to where he lives rides a bike every day. Still another friend drives his car. I don’t know anyone who rides the bus,  but I’ve taken it once or twice when my car was in the shop. Worse comes to worst,  you can always get in a taxi. Taking a taxi is expensive here,  so be prepared for a big fare,  not including the tip!

【文章大意】本文主要介绍了游逛美国乘坐的交通工具。

1. According to the first paragraph,  we can know 　　　.  

A. some Americans can’t afford a car and other expense related to it

B. America is a developed country

C. the gas in America costs more than that in any other country

D. it is always difficult to travel in America

【解析】选A。推理判断题。根据第一段的“not everyone can foot the bill for the car,  plus the insurance,  gas,  and maintenance”可知, 不是所有人能买得起汽车, 支付得起汽车的保险、汽油和保养费用。此处foot是动词, 意为“支付费用”。由此可知选A。

2. What can we infer about the public transportation in America?

A. It’s free of charge.

B. Passengers have to carry enough change when taking it.

C. It is slow and needs improving.

D. It will disappear in America.

【解析】选B。推理判断题。根据第二段的内容可知, 在美国乘坐公共交通, 必须带着正好的零钱, 司机不会给你找零钱。另外, 乘坐任何公共交通工具都应该付钱。故选B。

3. Why does a friend of the writer take a train to work every day?

A. He can’t drive a car.

B. There is no bus in his area.

C. It’s convenient for him.

D. He works on the train.

【解析】选C。细节理解题。根据最后一段的“He takes the train because it’s easier for him than driving or taking a bus. ”可知, 他乘火车是因为方便。

4. Which of the following will the author agree with?

A. People in Los Angeles are busy all the time.

B. Riding a bus is common in Los Angeles.

C. Taking a taxi is the last thing the author wants to do.

D. Taxi drivers earn a lot every day.

【解析】选C。推理判断题。根据最后一段的“Worse comes to worst,  you can always get in a taxi. Taking a taxi is expensive here,  so be prepared for a big fare,  not including the tip! ”可知, 只有在万不得已的情况下, 你才能乘坐出租车, 因为乘坐出租车太贵。故选C。

【知识拓展】背景链接

美国的一些交通工具

1. 美国人去哪儿都是自己开车。

2. 打车要给小费, 15%-20%。

3. 美国人很少坐火车, 美国的火车很慢。除了纽约和华盛顿之间的火车, 其他的基本以货运为主。

4. 如果不是很远的地方, 美国人会坐长途汽车。

5. 比较远的地方, 还是要坐飞机的, 从美国东海岸到西海岸, 飞机要飞大约6个小时。