This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.
Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me acmodations in return for help with a craft task.
My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.
I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.
Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.
Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”
Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(气息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!
【小题1】Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?A．She wanted to enjoy a different Christmas.B．She wanted to make more money.C．She was inspired by her trip for a BBC TV program.D．She hoped to present herself with a surprise.【小题2】The author had her plans carried out and set out for Britain in .A．springB．summerC．fallD．winter【小题3】What happened during the author’s trip to Britain?A．She met many artists and craftspeople on her way to Britain.B．She spent a whole summer in Britain making crafts.C．She was asked to sew clothes, and curtains and made much money.D．Many people showed great interest in making things themselves.【小题4】According to the passage, people learn to through crafting.A．be grateful to what they have gainedB．keep up with fashionC．stick to something interestingD．know more information about craft【小题5】What is the author’s opinion on homemade Christmas presents?A．Making Christmas presents can only convey a bit of your love.B．People can find their artistic talent in making Christmas presents.C．A cup of hot cocoa can inspire you to make a creative present. D．It would take a long time to prepare a homemade Christmas present.C
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(答案→)C
解析：本文描述了作者自制圣诞礼物及感想。首段介绍作者为何下定决心给自己制作圣诞礼物；第二段描绘她的旅程；第三四段描述旅途中所发生的事情：她帮别人做手工艺品，同时也碰到了很多想学的人；第五六段阐述作者及Sue Prichard对手工制品的观点；最后一段表明作者对于自制圣诞礼物的看法：即能省钱又能表达爱意。
【小题1】C推理判断题。对作者决定自制圣诞礼物的原因推断。根据第一段最后两句可知，作者之所以坚持今年自制圣诞礼物的真正原因是她的英国之旅(受BBC’s Newsnight一档节目之邀，到英国做某项调查)激励了她。故C是答案。
【小题2】C 推理判断题。第二段提到，作者最终定下旅行计划，开始上路时，已是深秋(But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot.) 落叶已在脚下作响。C为正确答案。
【小题3】D推理判断题。根据第四段中“I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things.”和“But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.”我们可以推断“许多人对亲自动手制作东西表现出极大的兴趣”。 A、B是未启程之前作者自己的想象；她此行的目的不是赚钱，C错。
【小题4】A推理判断题。根据第五段的第二句“But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again.”可知，手工艺品之所以受欢迎除了流行外，我们学会了珍惜劳动、领略手工艺品的价值。因此A符合题意。
【小题5】B推理判断题。推断作者对自制圣诞礼物的看法。根据最后一段首句可知，作者认为自制圣诞礼物能激发个人艺术潜能，B正确。 A错在only；该段提到，有些小礼物在30分钟内便可制作完成，D与原文表述不符。C不是作者对制作圣诞礼物的看法。