英语听力精选进阶版 6361（在线收听）

For many, knitting evokes images of elderly women weaving woolly jumpers for their grandchildren.

But the craft is undergoing a revival as knitters of all ages are picking up needles and yarns again. For Dr Sarah-Marie Belcastro, knitting is a mathematical challenge rather than about making garments: "Converting a smooth curve into a knitted pattern is a math problem because one has to figure out where exactly to place the discrete changes in curvature (…)" Like Dr Belcastro, many other knitters transform mathematical concepts into intricate patterns to better understand a shape or concept.

Knitting can also be a social event and has gained popularity in recent years. Many groups have started up around the world to bring strangers together into more close-knit communities. Men and women of all ages can attend the ‘Knit and Natter’ group, for instance, where people get together to practise the handicraft while having a good old chat.

Feminists have rejected knitting in the past because it was a craft learnt by women and was looked down on – but it is precisely because of its important social role that New Yorker Debbie Stoller believes knitting should be brought back into fashion. She established a popular knitting group that led to a string of 1,300 others. "In the same way that fishing is not just about getting something to eat, knitting is not just about making something to wear”, she says.

So it’s not just about ending up with woolly socks and scarves to give as birthday presents to family and friends. Whether those who attend go to spin a yarn, gossip or end up in stitches, it seems knitting can provide a therapeutic break in our modern lifestyles.

Quiz 测验

Read the article. Is the following statement true, false or not given: knitting is becoming less popular.

False. Knitting is undergoing a revival, which means it's becoming popular again.

Why is knitting related to mathematics?

Some knitters explore mathematical concepts through knitting, as creating knitted patterns can lead to a better understanding of an idea or shape.

What do people do when they attend a 'Knit and Natter' group?

They knit and chat at the same time.

Which verb in the article means 'to view as inferior'?

To look down on.

Which expression in the article means 'to laugh a lot'?

To be in stitches.

Glossary 词汇表

to knit（手工）针织毛线活儿

to weave编织，纺织

a craft 一门手艺

knitter（手工）针织者

a needle 针

a yarn 纱线

a garment 成衣

a curve 曲线

a pattern 花样，图案

intricate 复杂精细的

close-knit 关系紧密的

to natter 闲扯，瞎聊

a handicraft 一个手艺，一件手工艺品

a string of 一连串

woolly 羊毛的，毛茸茸的

a scarf 围巾

to spin a yarn 纺线，（成语比喻）讲故事，编故事

in stitches 缝针，（成语比喻）忍不住大笑

therapeutic 有理疗作用的，使人放松的