This past year has been one of great celebration for many. The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family.
It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago. People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations. But perhaps most striking of all was to witness the strength of fellowship and friendship among those who had gathered together on these occasions.
On the barges and the bridges and the banks of the river there were people who had taken their places to cheer through the mist, undaunted by the rain. That day there was a tremendous sense of mon determination to celebrate, triumphing(战胜) over the elements.
That same spirit was also in evidence from the moment the Olympic flame arrived on these shores. The flame itself drew hundreds and thousands of people on its journey around the British Isles, and was carried by every kind of deserving individual, many nominated for their own extraordinary service.
As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes. In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama.
We were reminded, too, that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree upon the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers. Those public-spirited people came forward in the great tradition of all those who devote themselves to keeping others safe, supported and forted.
For many, Christmas is also a time for ing together. But for others, service will e first. Those serving in our armed forces, in our emergency services and in our hospitals, whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends, will be missing those they love.
At Christmas I am always struck by how the spirit of togetherness lies also at the heart of the Christmas story. A young mother and a dutiful father with their baby were joined by poor shepherds and visitors from afar. They came with their gifts to worship(崇拜) the Christ child. From that day on he has inspired people to mit themselves to the best interests of others.
This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son 'to serve, not to be served'. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
【小题1】Who most probably is the maker of this speech?A．Queen of Great Britain.B．King of Great Britain.C．Prime Minister of Great Britain.D．Mayor of London.【小题2】 What might be the main purpose of this speech?A．To make a summary of what has been done in the past years. B．To offer congratulations on the arrival of Christmas. C．To hold an anniversary celebration of an event.D．To express respect for and loyalty to God.【小题3】Which of the following is NOT mentioned by the speaker?A．Enthusiasm and Friendship.B．Dedication and effort.C．Sacrifice and service.D．Civilization and peace.【小题4】Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?A．The speaker was too busy to attend the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. B．Volunteers played a key role in the success of the Diamond Jubilee.C．The speaker showed great respect for those still at work at Christmas. D．The strength of the Christmas story lies in the worship of Jesus Christ.A
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(答案→)A
解析：在圣诞来临之际，英国女王伊丽莎白二世于25日发表传统圣诞致词，今年的圣诞演讲首次以3D形式录制和在电视台上播放。女王在演讲中高度赞扬伦敦奥运会和残奥会志愿者们的无私奉献。
【小题1】推理题：从文章第二段的句子：It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago. 可知这个做演讲的人是６０年前做这个职位的，推断出是英国女王，选A
【小题２】推理题：从文章最后一段的句子：I wish you all a very happy Christmas. 可知英国女王伊丽莎白二世于25日在圣诞来临之际发表传统圣诞致词，选B
【小题３】细节题：第一段的The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family.和第二段的witness the strength of fellowship and friendship可知提到Ａ项，从第六段的句子：We were reminded, too, that the success of these great festivals depended to an enormous degree upon the dedication and effort of an army of volunteers.可知Ｂ提到了，第七段的句子：But for others, service will e first. Those serving in our armed forces, in our emergency services and in our hospitals, whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends, will be missing those they love.可知Ｃ是提到了，文章没有提到Ｄ项。
【小题４】推理题：从第六段和第七段的内容，可知演讲者高度赞扬在圣诞节还工作的人，选C