Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage.

Settlers originally came to the American continent so they could practice their religion as they wished, free from the religious persecution of that era. One of these religious groups that settled in the U.S. was the Shakers； (19) The Shakers prospered in the first half of the nineteenth century and, at their height, totaled about 6，000 members. (18) They are，however，not known for their religion，but for the furniture they made during the first half of the nineteenth century. The furniture was solidly constructed, yet lightweight at the same time. The designs were also very simple because anything elaborate was not allowed，according to their religious principles. In the nineteenth century, their furniture was very popular because it was useful and durable. In the twentieth, people mostly value it for its beauty, in addition to its other characteristics. (20) Museums and collectors praise the furniture as one of the best examples of American design. Currently, only twelve aged Shakers remain, and none of them constructs furniture any longer. Hence, Shaker tables, chairs, cabinets, and other pieces are valuable collectors’ items because they are now very rare. Although the furniture may no longer be produced, the Shakers and their furniture will forever remain an important chapter in the art design of the United States.

 

题目

Passage 3

Questions 18 to 20 are based on the following passage. At the end of the passage，you will be given 15 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the passage.

18. What is the passage mainly about?

A. The Shaker religious belief.

B. The Shaker craftsmanship.

C. The Shaker originality.

D. The Shaker exhibition.

19. When were the Shakers most active?

A. Between 1800 and 1850.  

B. Between 1850 and 1900.

C. Between 1900 and 1950.  

D. From 1950 to the present.

20. What characteristic do Americans like about the Shaker furniture?

A. Its ornaments.

B. Its lightness.

C. Its simple designs.

D. Its value.

 

答案解析

Passage 3

18. B主旨题。文章开篇介绍说有一批早期的美国定居者叫做震颤派教徒，他们因其 制作精良、简洁、无装饰的家具而知名。下文都在讲述其惊人的手工艺和独具特色 的家具。故文章大意应是B项。

19. A细节题。文中说到震颤派教徒在19世纪上半叶达到巅峰时期，即1800到1850 年，故A项正确。

20. C细节题。文中说，震顫派教徒所制造的夏克式家具由于其独特的设计风格而知 名，并且博物馆和收藏家都称赞它是真正美国设计的典范之一。故C项正确。