一、阅读理解
1. Just over 12 months ago I gave myself a challenge: give up spending on all but the essentials for a whole year. It hasn’t always been easy, but a year on I am wealthier and wiser. Embarrassingly, I have also realised just how much money I’ve wasted in the pubs, restaurants and through mindless shopping.
Free of any financial worries, I was spending without thinking. Giving up spending for a year was an extreme(极端的) approach, but I wanted to experince extreme frugality(节俭), change my spending patterns and pay my mortgage more instead of shopping. I could continue to pay my bills, including mortgages, broadband(宽带), phone bill, charity donations, life insurances, money to help my family and basic groceries.
It was not easy, especially in the first few months. There were lows, such as when I missed my favourite jazz concerts and hit films. There have also been some awkward moments when I've turned up to a friend’s house for dinner empty-handed. I did a lot of washing up at my friends' houses in return this year.
I did find new ways to live, however. Using sites such as Eventbrite I have been to film screenings, wine tasting evenings and theatre productions for free. Living in London I have a wealth of free cultural activities on my doorstep and I’ve been to more art exhibitions this year than ever before. I even managed a free holiday, cycling the Suffolk and Norfolk coast and camping on beaches. It’s something I’d never done before and probably wouldn't have, were it not for the challenge.
The last 12 months have taught me what things I really need. I can honestly say I’ m happier now. I’ve gained confidence and skills, done things and met lovely people I wouldn’t have otherwise done or met.
1.In the past the author wasted much money on the following EXCEPT__________.
A.purposeless shopping B.basic groceries
C.restaurants D.pubs
2.We can infer that the purpose of the author's no-spending challenge is to___________.
A.try to form a virtue of frugality B.change her former spending habits
C.pay off her mortgage as soon as possible D.reserve money for her everyday bills
3.What do we know about the author during her no-spending year?__________
A.She did a lot of washing and cooking in pubs.
B.She tried cycling and camping for the first time.
C.She explored more cultural activities in London.
D.She attended concerts and wine evenings for free.
4.How does the author finally feel about her no spending year?___________
A.It's discouraging. B.It's challenging.
C.It's beneficial. D.It's embarrassing.
